Steve Smith is set to lead Australia in their upcoming one-day international series against India in Pat Cummins’ absence. Cummins has opted to stay in Australia ahead of their three-match ODI series against India, starting March 17.
Cummins will be staying in Australia after leaving India post the second Test match of the series in Delhi, to take care of his mother, who passed away from breast cancer when the fourth match of the series was being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Cummins would be staying back in Australia and would miss the three-match ODI series against India.
“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,” said McDonald.
In Cummins’ absence, Smith is set to lead the side after taking over the captaincy for the last two Tests of the series. Meanwhile, Australia opener David Warner has been declared fit for the ODI series as well after picking up an elbow injury in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Mitchell Marsh will also return to the side, having recovered from an ankle injury.
Australia will be without Josh Hazlewood, who picked up an Achilles injury. Meanwhile, Nathan Ellis was recently recalled after Jhye Richardson was ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.
Australia ODI Squad:
Steve Smith (c), 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.
