Australia Announce A 'Pat Cummins Less' Squad For India ODIs

image-lf7sbecjSteve Smith will lead Australia in ODIs [Source: Twitter]

After incurring a 1-2 defeat in the Tests, Australia have suffered a massive blow ahead of the ODIs, as Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the series. Cricket Australia has confirmed that Cummins, who returned home after the Delhi Test to attend his ailing mother, won't travel back to participate in the three-match ODI leg starting this Friday. 

Notably, Cummins recently lost his mother to a prolonged illness and has decided to support his family in these tough times. 

Here's what Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said:

"Pat won’t be coming back, he’s still taking care of what’s happened back home. Our thoughts are with Pat and his family as they go through that grieving process."

As the board hasn't named Cummins' replacement, promising seamer Nathan Ellis, who earlier replaced Jhye Richardson in the squad, is expected to play all three games. 

Meanwhile, McDonald has clarified that ace opener, David Warner, who missed the final two Tests after sustaining an elbow injury, will be back for the ODI series. 

Furthermore, Cummins' unavailability has emerged as a golden opportunity for Steve Smith, who will continue to lead the side. After a disastrous start to the Tests, Australia managed to win a game in the series due to Steve Smith's astute leadership. 


Australia's squad for India ODIs

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa