Pat Cummins Will Not Play In The Second Test Against The West Indies, And Steve Smith Will Lead The Australian Team

Pat Cummins, the previous leader of Australia’s cricket team, suffered an injury on Wednesday and will not be able to play in the second test match against the West Indies. In his place, Scott Boland will be replaced by Steve Smith as the captain of Australia’s team.

The speed spearhead has been suffering from a minor thigh injury and did not bowl on the final two days of the first test match, which Australia won by a score of 164 runs in Perth.

Pat Cummins had previously stated that he was confident in his ability to be fit for the second day-night Test in Adelaide, which is scheduled to begin on Thursday, but he has not recovered in time.

According to a statement released by Cricket Australia, “Team medical personnel started Cummins’ recuperation in Adelaide; nevertheless, selectors determined there was not sufficient time for the fast bowler to be fully fit for the match.”

As a result of a close call with the Covid-19 virus, Cummins was unable to play in the Test match against England that was held in Adelaide the year before. Vice captain Smith captained the team in Cummins’ absence.

Although Boland participated in the Ashes campaign, he was not selected for any of this year’s other international trips.

Australia plays five Tests this summer, including three against South Africa following the West Indies, and faces a massive 2023. On Sunday, the captain of the Australian team stated that he is aware that he has a lot of bowling ahead of him in the future.

“It has unquestionably been a topic of consideration throughout the course of the past few days. I’d rather have a little injury that heals in a week than one that takes three or four weeks to heal and forces me to miss some of the summer “Pat Cummins remarked.

It is anticipated that he will be available for the first test of the series against South Africa, which will take place in Brisbane later this month.

Even without Cummins bowling in the West Indies’ second innings in Perth, Australia were still too good, with Nathan Lyon shouldering the weight and finishing with 6-128 despite the track offering nothing for spinners to work with.

They have an ominous record in pink ball Tests, having won all nine that they have competed in, with six of those victories coming at Adelaide Oval. This week’s match will be their ninth pink ball Test.

The top-order batsman for the West Indies, Nkrumah Bonner, was injured in Perth and suffered a concussion. This adds to the team’s injury concerns. It is currently unknown whether he will be able to participate in this week’s game.

Their fast bowling attack is also having trouble, as Kyle Mayers (shoulder strain) was unable to bowl in the second innings against Perth, Kemar Roach was forced off the field with a hamstring injury, and Jayden Seales has been dealing with knee problems.

Marquino Mindley, who is yet to earn a cap for his country, travelled all the way from his native country to Adelaide on Tuesday in order to serve as cover for the team. Anderson Phillip is the backup bowler of first choice.

Roddy Estwick, an assistant coach for the West Indies, was overheard telling reporters, “You’ve still got to keep positive.”

“We are going up against the finest team in the world, and all we want to do is grind it out, battle, and remain in the fight for as long as we possibly can.”