ADELAIDE: Pat Cummins, the skipper of Australia's Test team, will not be risked in this week's second Test against the West Indies, which begins on Thursday. Cummins was left out of the starting lineup for the day-night match here.
Due to a quadriceps injury, Cummins was unable to bowl during Australia's decisive 164-run victory against the West Indies in the first Test at Perth. As a result, fellow fast and Ashes hero Scott Boland will take Cummins' place in the starting lineup for Adelaide.
After taking 18 wickets in three Ashes Tests against England last summer, Boland hasn't featured in a Test match since. However, the ICC reports that he has been called up after being passed over for selection in Perth.
Since Steve Smith filled in for the Australia skipper in the Adelaide Test against England last year when Cummins was judged a near COVID-19 contact, Cummins' absence also means that veteran batter Steve Smith will once again lead Australia.
It is anticipated that Cummins will be ready to lead Australia against South Africa in the opening Test in Brisbane next week.
According to a statement from Cricket Australia, "Team medical personnel started Cummins' recovery in Adelaide but selectors felt there was not sufficient time for the fast bowler to be fully fit for the match, which starts tomorrow."
"Cummins is anticipated to make a comeback for Brisbane's first Test match against South Africa." Smith expressed excitement about stepping in for Cummins and pledged to bring his own qualities to the position.
Smith stated on Wednesday, "I have to do it my own way, I can't be someone else." "I took over for the game here last year, and I thought it went very nicely, so I'm pretty relaxed right now. Again, the same."
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