Pat Cummins ruled out of Adelaide Test, captain and bowling replacement announced

Pat Cummins [Source: AP]

In a significant development, Australia's regular captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the second Test against West Indies due to a quad injury he sustained in the first Test. However, the veteran speedster is expected to be fit for the first Test against South Africa starting on December 17. 

As Cummins was doubtful for the game, Australia had earlier drafted Lance Morris and Michael Neser into the team. However, Scott Boland, who was already present with the squad, is set to replace Cummins in the Adelaide Test starting Thursday. 

In another massive development, Cummins' unfortunate injury has proved to be a boon for ace batter Steve Smith, giving him the chance to lead Australia in this match. 

Notably, Smith was involved in the infamous ball-tampering scandal in the Cape Town Test in 2018, following which he was banned from leadership along with David Warner. 

However, he donned the captaincy hat in the Adelaide Test against England last year and this will be his second game as the Australian skipper in the purest format in last four years. 

Meanwhile, this will be the fourth Test appearance of Scott Boland, who was exceptional in the Ashes 2021-22, scalping 18 wickets at an unbelievable strike rate of 27.06. 

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