IND vs AUS: Pat Cummins Ruled Out Of Third Test

image-lei4evgxPat Cummins [Source: Twitter]

In a significant development, Australian captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the third Test match against India. 

Cummins, who earlier flew back to Australia after the second Test, has decided to stay at home due to some family reasons. 

Cummins' absence will definitely haunt Australia, who will aim at redemption when they clash against the rampant home side in the Indore Test. 

Currently trailing by 2-0, the visitors are in dire need of a win to regain confidence and consolidate their place in the all-important World Test Championship final. 

Cummins, who troubled the Indian batters to the core in the 2017 series, found it tough to get going this time, managing only three wickets at a miserable average of 39.67. 

His inability to strike at crucial junctures kept Australia at bay in the first two games. Furthermore, the fearsome fast bowler failed to impress as a leader, as some of his on-field tactics were scrutinised by the Australian ex-cricketers. 

However, he has been named the captain of the ODI side that will lock horns against India in a three-match series starting March 17. 

If we talk about the playing XI, Cummins’ void will probably be filled by Mitchell Starc (subject to fitness), with serious questions still looming over Josh Hazlewood’s participation in the game. 

With David Warner out, the visitors will likely slot Travis Head alongside Usman Khawaja at the top, replacing the out-of-form Matt Renshaw with Cameron Green in the middle order.

Meanwhile, Cummins’ unavailability has opened the leadership doors for Steve Smith, who will captain the team in the Indore Test. 

But just like the seamer, Smith has also blown hot and cold in the series, scoring only 71 runs at a mediocre average of 23.67. 

However, as we have seen in the past, the legendary batter thrives with the bat when he captains the side. 

So, it will be interesting to see if this massive change in leadership brings any change in fortunes for the visiting team.