‘Family first’ – Fans react as Pat Cummins ruled out of 3rd BGT Test in Indore due to family emergency

Australian skipper Pat Cummins will be missing the third Test in Indore of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy as his mother is seriously ill. Cummins flew back to Australia just hours after the Delhi Test and was expected to join the team before the third Test. Cummins, however, decided to stay with his family in the short term.

Under his absence, vice-captain Steve Smith will be leading the side in Indore. Smith has taken over the charge twice after Cummins became the captain. Australia are already trailing in a four-match series by 0-2.

“I have decided against returning to India at this time as my mother is ill and in palliative care. I feel I am best being here with my family. I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from the Australian Cricket Board and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding,” said Cummins as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Cummins is also named as Australia’s captain for a three-match ODI series against India starting on March 17.

Mitchell Starc likely to play in the third Test

Along with Cummins, players like David Warner, Ashton Agar, and Josh Hazlewood have also flown back to Australia. Agar has decided to play domestic cricket for Western Australia, while Warner and Hazlewood have been ruled out due to injuries.

Mitchell Starc is expected to be fully fit before the Indore Test, having recovered from the finger injury, with other fast bowling options like Scott Boland and Lance Morris. Meanwhile, Cameron Green has also declared himself 100% fit for the third Test.

Australia will be looking to make a comeback in the series after humiliating losses in Nagpur and Delhi. Following this, both India and Australia will be locking horns in the ODI series, which will be crucial for both sides looking forward to the ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in India later this year.

Australian squad for the ODIs:
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Indian squad for the ODIs:
Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (VC), R Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, W Sundar, Y Chahal, Mohd Shami, Mohd Siraj, Umran Malik, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Jaydev Unadkat.

Note: Rohit Sharma is to miss the first game to due family commitments. Hardik Pandya will lead the side in his absence