Steve Smith has been named in as a standby captain for team Australia, if regular Test skipper Pat Cummins remains unavailable for the remainder of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023, against India.
Pat Cummins returned to Australia after their second consecutive loss to India in the four-match Test series, due to family-related health difficulties. Even if the Australian captain had made a suggestion that he will return prior to the start of the third Test, there is still no assurance.
In Cummins' absence, there is a strong possibility that Australia's vice-captain, Steve Smith, will take over as captain for the rest of the series. Notably, Australian players have experienced numerous injury issues recently, with David Warner's decision to miss the rest of the series owing to an elbow fracture being the biggest blow. Cameron Green is most likely to return for the third Test, giving the Australia management a ray of hope amidst all the problems.
The third Test between India and Australia will begin on March 1 at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. India presently has a 2-0 advantage in the Test series and will want to secure another spot in the WTC final.