Pat Cummins to miss third India Test after sad family news

Aussie captain Pat Cummins will remain in Sydney and miss the Third test against India in order to be with his seriously ill mother. Cummins flew home immediately after the second Test to be by his family's side during the difficult times.

While the captain was expected to return to India for the third Test, Cummins informed the team that he wanted to remain with his family during these extremely difficult times. "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," Cummins said.

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"I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding." Cummins intends to be available for the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad, but it is possible he will sit out the rest of the series.

With Cummins away, Steve Smith will fill in as captain. Smith has captained Australia three times since Cummins was announced as the leader in November 2021.

Cummins was forced to sit out the pink-ball Test against England in last year's Ashes due to Covid restrictions. He was also out injured against the West Indies last year.

Smith rejoined the Australian camp on Thursday after taking a short break away from the team with his wife Dani. Cummins joins David Warner, Josh Hazlewood and Ashton Agar as the players that have left the Aussie camp.

Pat Cummins joins Warner and Hazlewood

On Wednesday, Warner vowed to fight for his spot ahead of this year's Ashes after suffering a fractured elbow in the first innings of the second Test match in Delhi. The injury resulted in him returning home to heal, but there has been growing pressure on the opener to hold his spot in the team.

Fast bowler Hazlewood (achilles) didn't recover from his injury in time and was also sent home to recover before the Ashes. Allrounder Ashton Agar struggled with form and consistency during the tour and returned to Western Australia to play Sheffield Shield. The absence of Cummins all but confirms Mitchell Starc and Cameroon Green a return after injury.

Allrounder Green has appeared to overcome a broken finger suffered at the MCG in December. Green will likely come in for Matt Renshaw and bat at No.6, with Travis Head to remain as opener in place of Warner after a blazing cameo during the second innings in Delhi.

Star quick Starc will almost certainly fill the void left by Cummins after the 33-year-old missed the first two Tests against India due to a broken finger.

Victorian paceman Scott Boland could also get a recall after dropping out of the XI following his appearance in the series opener in Nagpur. Australia opted to play three spinners - Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann - and pick Cummins as their only recognised quick in Delhi.

with AAP

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