Australia skipper Cummins pulls out of Indore Test to be with ailing mother

MELBOURNE: 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 lead the side in Indore, where the match begins on Wednesday, with Australia scrambling to save face following two heavy losses in a nightmare start to the four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

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,” Cummins said in a statement, adding his mother was “ill and in palliative care”.

“I feel I am best being here with my family. 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.

While Australia are hoping Cummins will be back for the final Test in Ahmedabad from March 9, Smith could end up leading the side in both matches.

Injured fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has returned home from India without playing a match and opener David Warner also flew back after suffering a fracture in his elbow, and concussion, in the second test in New Delhi.

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar did not play any match in India either and is back home to play domestic cricket for Western Australia.

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.

Australia need to avoid a 4-0 whitewash to make the final of the World Test Championship at The Oval in June, while India need one more victory in the series to book their place.