Steven Smith to lead Australia in ODI series

Kriralok Desk: Former captain Steven Smith will lead Australia in the upcoming three-match ODI series against India. Maria Cummins, mother of Australia’s regular captain Pat Cummins, died last Friday. Pat will not play in the ODI series against India. Smith will lead Australia against India in the absence of a regular captain.

Cummins returned home after playing the second match of the recently concluded four-match Test series against India due to his mother’s illness. Cummins could not play in the third and final Test due to his sick mother. Instead, Smith led Australia in the last two Tests. Australia won the third Test under Smith’s leadership after losing the first two Tests. In the end, Azira lost the series by 2-1. Cummins will not play in the upcoming ODI series as he is unable to overcome the grief of his mother.

In this regard, Australian coach Andrew Mcdonald said, “Pat Cummins will not return. He is dealing with what happened at home. We are with the grieving Cummins family.”

Australia is not taking anyone new in the place of Cummins. Ajira will start the ODI series against India with a 15-member team. Australia has replaced Nathan Ellis in place of pacer Jhai Richardson due to a hamstring injury. Opener David Warner, who suffered an elbow injury in the Test series, will play in the ODI series. Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell are also returning from injury. The ODI series will start from March 17. The next two ODIs are on March 19 and 22 respectively.

Australia Team: Steve Smith (captain), 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 and Adam Zampa.

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