Steve Smith will be donning the Test captain’s hat once again when he leads Australia in the upcoming third Test against Team India. The penultimate match of the ongoing four-match series is scheduled to get underway on March 1 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Australia have been forced to make Steve Smith their captain after Pat Cummins returned home due to family commitment. The fast-bowler was expected to return home before the third Test but has decided to extend his stay as he deals with a family illness.
Cummins flew back home last week following the defeat in second Test in Delhi. The Australia skipper explained that he returned home to be with his mother who “is ill and in palliative care”. He, however, could make it in time for the fourth Test, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad although there is a possibility that Steve Smith might lead the team in the last game too.
“I have decided against returning to India at this time,” said Cummins. “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,” he added.
Steve Smith returns as captain:
Steve Smith is now gearing up to return as Australia’s Test captain for the third time since his reinstatement as vice-captain in late 2021 when Cummins took over from Tim Paine. The star batsman, who lost his captain’s post following the infamous sandpaper scandal in South Africa, led Australia in the two Adelaide Tests over the last two seasons.
He was the captain when Australian toured India in 2017 and was the best performer with the bat. However, he has struggled to do well in the ongoing series, scoring just 71 runs in 4 innings so far. Smith will be hoping that the captaincy role helps his confidence and he regains his form soon.
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