Xtra Time Web Desk: After the convincing win against India in the third test at Indore, Australian team management has decided to continue with Steve Smith as stop-gap captain. Australia’s regular test captain Pat Cummins will not return to India for the fourth test as his mother is still admitted in hospital in Sydney.
As per reports in Australian media, the Australian team management offered Pat Cummins a choice whether to return home or remain with the team after being thrashed in first two Tests by India at Nagpur and Delhi. After speaking to his teammates, Cummins decided to return home. He was originally scheduled to return for the 3rd Test. But as his mother is battling cancer, he chose to stay home. With Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both fit, Cummins will stay back to be by the side of his mother.
India leads the four match Border Gavaskar Trophy 2-1. Rohit Sharma and his boys need to win the final test starting at Narendra Modi Stadium from Thursday in order to guarantee a place in World Test Championship final.