After Warner and Hazlewood, Australian skipper has also been ruled out of 3rd Test; Star player to lead the team

Australia has been going through a nightmare in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. The hosts hammered them in the first two tests, and they lost both games in three days. As a result, India has retained the BGT trophy for the fourth successive time.

However, ahead of the third test in Indore, Australia has already faced a number of setbacks in terms of injuries to their key players. David Warner has been ruled out of the remaining two tests, while Josh Hazlewood is also out of the remaining games.

Earlier, the Australian captain Pat Cummins flew back to Australia due to some family problems. And as per the latest developments, he will not be able to make it at the right times. Thus, Cummins will also miss the third test in Indore, which will be a huge setback for the visitors.

Cummins was expected to be back in India for the third test, which was supposed to start on Wednesday, but due to his mother's illness, he couldn't make it. Meanwhile, the Australian management hasn't confirmed the name of the player who will lead the team, but Steve Smith is expected to take on this role.

In an interaction with cricket.com.au, Cummins said, "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."

The second test ended within three days, which gave the players some extra time, and Smith was on a four-day break with his wife in Dubai when he joined the team for training for the third test on Thursday. Smith was the captain of the team, when Australia toured India last time in 2017.

India won that series 2-1. On the other hand, one good news for Australia will be that veteran left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc will join the team, after missing the first two tests due to injury. He will replace Cummins, while star all-rounder Cameron Green is another player who will boost Australia's strength.