Steve Smith to lead Australia in third BGT test in absence of Pat Cummins

Sydney:Pat Cummins will miss the third Test against India due to a family emergency with Steve Smith to fill in as captain in Indore.The fast bowler will remain in Australia after flying home to Sydney in the days after the second Test with the intention of returning to India in time for the third match.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Cummins will now stay on in the country, explaining in a statement that his mother "is ill and in palliative care", the ICC reported.The third Test starts on March 1 with Australia trailing 2-0 after a pair of crushing losses to the hosts.

Cummins has not been ruled out of the fourth Test to be played in Ahmedabad from March 9.

"I have decided against returning to India at this time," Cummins said in a statement.

"I feel I am best being here with my family," he said.

"I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding," Cummins said.Smith will take the reins as captain for the third Test against India in a step up from his usual role as vice-captain.

It will be the third time Smith has led the Test side since Cummins took over as captain in late 2021.Australia will hope to have left-arm quick Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Cameron Green available for selection in place of Cummins after both were sidelined with finger injuries.(UNI)