IND vs AUS: Australia’s ODI Series Against India Sees Change in Captaincy with Pat Cummins Out

With a thrilling 2-1 win in the Test series and reclamation of the coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India will be gearing up to take on Australia in a three-match ODI series commencing March 17.

However, Australia has received a major blow even before the series starts, as their star bowler and captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the entire series due to injury.

With Pat Cummins ruled out, Steve Smith will step up to lead the Australian team for the entire series. He previously captained the team in the last two Tests against India, which resulted in a win and a draw for the visitors.

Notably, Pat Cummins had to return to Australia during the Border Gavaskar Trophy to be with his mother, who was fighting cancer. Although he intended to return for the third Test, he opted to stay with his mother, who recently passed away.

Pat Cummins won’t return to India for the ODI leg of the tour #INDvAUS

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 14, 2023

The head coach of Australia Andrew McDonald confirmed the news, stating:

“Pat won’t be coming back, he’s still taking care of what’s happened back home. Our thoughts are with Pat and his family as they go through that grieving process.”

Meanwhile, McDonald also confirmed that David Warner, who was ruled out of the series after the first Two Tests due to an elbow injury he sustained during the Test series, is set to return and join the Australian team for the ODI series.

Who Will Replace Pat Cummins?

Australia has decided not to bring in a replacement for Pat Cummins, meaning they will have to make their selection from the 15-member squad they have already chosen.

Earlier, Jhye Richardson ruled out of the entire series due to a hamstring injury, and has been replaced by Nathan Ellis in the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Glenn Maxwell will be making his long-awaited return to cricket after an extended injury layoff.

Australia’s ODI squad for three-match ODI series:

Steve Smith (Captain), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.