India vs Australia – Australia captain Pat Cummins will miss the 4th Test vs India. Steve Smith will lead in his absence in Ahmedabad Test. Pacer is also unlikely to return in ODIs after he left for home to tend to his ailing mother Maria Cummins. Cummins’ mother is currently in end-of-life care after a prolonged cancer battle. Cummins who led Australia in the first two Tests was supposed to come back for the 4th Test. His mother was the reason why he skipped IPL 2023. Follow IND vs AUS LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
As per reports in Australian media, Cricket Australia offered Pat Cummins a choice whether to return home or remain with the team after thrashings in first two Tests. But after speaking to his teammates, Cummins decided to return home. He was originally scheduled to return for the 3rd Test. But as his mother is battling breast cancer, he chose to stay home.
With Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both fit, Cummins has less to worry about the Australian team who defeated India in the 3rd Test.
“Obviously he’s dealing with what he’s dealing with at home, but he’s still invested in this group. We’re in constant contact with him daily, so at the moment he’s not here and the Test match is a few days away, so we’ll discuss it with Pat on a daily basis,” Australia coach Andrew McDonald said.
India vs Australia: Pat Cummins likely to miss 4th Test & ODIs, decision on Monday before departing for Ahmedabad, Follow IND vs AUS LIVE Updates
After the two Tests, Australia will play three ODIs against India. The three-match ODI series is an important one as it will help Australia understand the combinations for ODI World Cup later this year. However, Cummins is not in a state of mind to return at the moment. Instead. Steve Smith will lead in the remaining matches.
Pat Cummins IPL – Despite being a celebrated player in IPL, Cummins decided not to return for IPL and miss a potential million-dollar contract. While he cited heavy workload and scheduling after taking over ODI captaincy from Aaron Finch, the reason was his mother.
With India Tour, Ashes Tour and the World Cup 2023, he would have been away from most of the year. Cummins wanted to spend some time with his mother instead.
This is amazing @TheBarmyArmy, thankyou. Mum loved watching this and felt very touched ❤️ https://t.co/A1iwnJSUYn
— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) February 27, 2023
Australia Squad for 4th Test: Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Matt Kuhnemann.
IND vs AUS Schedule:
- March 9-13: 4th Test in Ahmedabad
- March 17: 1st ODI in Mumbai
- March 19: 2nd ODI in Vizag
- March 22: 3rd ODI in Chennai
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