SYDNEY: Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins on Friday pulled out of the third Test against India after flying home mid-tour to spend time with his seriously ill mother.
Former captain Steve Smith will temporarily replace Cummins as skipper, with Australia scrambling to save face following two heavy losses in a nightmare start to the tour.
The loss will deprive Australia of their leading pace bowler and is the latest blow to a side depleted by injuries. Cummins is currently ranked in third place on the International Cricket Council's Test bowling rankings.
"I have decided against returning to India at this time. I feel I am best being here with my family," Cummins said in a statement.
"I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding."
Cummins returned to Australia earlier this week citing a "serious family illness", but was initially expected to return to India in time for the third Test.
India hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series after Australia lost the second Test by six wickets.
WARNER, MARSH BACK FOR ODIS
Talismanic opening batter David Warner was earlier this week ruled out of the Third test after suffering a concussion and an elbow fracture.
The out-of-form Warner, who scored just 26 runs across the opening two matches, will miss the remaining Tests but it is hoped he can return for the subsequent one-day series.
Veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has also been scratched after failing to recover from an Achilles tendon injury.
In a much-needed boost for the injury-plagued side, head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that all-rounder Cameron Green and pace bowler Mitchell Starc are expected to return to the squad.
Both have been recovering from serious finger injuries.
The third Test in Indore starts on March 1.
Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh will make their international returns from lengthy injury layoffs after being named on Thursday in Australia's one-day squad for the series in India.
All-rounder Maxwell broke his leg and underwent surgery in November after slipping and falling during a friend's 50th birthday party.
Marsh went under the knife soon after for a long-standing left ankle problem, with loose bone fragments removed and cartilage repaired.
They both return for ODIs in Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Chennai between March 17 and 22, giving Australia an early look at conditions ahead of the World Cup in India later this year.
Fast bowler Jhye Richardson was called up having recovered from a hamstring strain.
"With the World Cup just over seven months away, these matches in India are an important step in our preparation," said chairman of selectors George Bailey.
"Glenn, Mitchell and Jhye are all important players in what we think the squad might look like come October.
"It would be great for Josh to be part of this series but we have taken a conservative view ahead of a very important winter in England of which he will be an integral part," he added. -- AFP
Australia ODI squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
