In a huge blow to the struggling Australian side, regular skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the third Test match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India in Indore.
Senior batter Steve Smith will lead the side in absence of regular captain Cummins.
As per Cummins, his mother is not well and that is the reason he will be missing the crucial Test. He also thanked Cricket Australia and his teammates for extending him all the support during the crucial time.
“I have decided against returning to India at this time as my mother is ill and she is currently in palliative care. I feel I am best being here with my family. I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia along my teammates. Thanks for your understanding,” said Cummins in a statement.
Though, the door is open for Cummins to return for the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, Smith may lead in both the remaining matches.
Earlier, senior players like David Warner and Josh Hazlewood had returned to Australia due to injuries.
Australia are trailing 0-2 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series as they have lost both of their matches at Nagpur and Delhi. With a lead in the ongoing series, India would start as overwhelming favourites at Indore.