IND vs AUS: BCCI sends message of support to Pat Cummins amid family illness

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) on Friday, February 24 sent a message of support to Australia captain Pat Cummins, who returned home to Sydney from Delhi to be with his ailing mother. Cummins led Australia in the first two Tests but he chose not to return for the 3rd Test, starting March 1 in Indore due to the family illness.

Cummins confirmed on Friday that he decided against returning for the 3rd Test, adding that his mother is "ill and in palliative care". Steve Smith will lead Australia in the 3rd Test and, according to Australian media, Cummins might miss the 4th and final Test, starting March 9, in Ahmedabad.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with @patcummins30 and his entire family during these testing times," the BCCI said in a tweet on Friday.

Notably, the wider group of the Australian team was informed about Cummins's decision on Friday morning during training. Australia have decided to



train for a few more days in New Delhi before leaving to Indore on Sunday.

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

Smith was the captain of the Australian side for 34 Tests between 2014 and 2018. The star batter was reinstated as the vice-captain of the side in 2021 and has stepped in on a few occasions to lead the side when Cummins was absent.

Cummins' absence is the latest blow to Australia's hopes of making a comeback in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Earlier, Josh Hazlewood and David Warner had returned home due to injuries. In the captain's absence, Mitchell Starc, who is expected to be ready for Indore, could be leading the attack for the Aussies.