Perth [Australia]: Former Australia Test captain Steve Smith filled in for regular red-ball captain Pat Cummins after the latter, battling muscle pain, did not come out to the field at the beginning of West Indies’ 2nd innings on the fourth day of the opening Test in Perth.
This after Cricket Australia verified that Smith, that had actually stepped down as Test captain following a ‘ball-tampering’ dispute during a red-ball collection versus South Africa in 2018, will certainly lead the Baggy Greens in the absence of Cummins. Cummins, who grabbed his 200th Examination scalp in the ongoing component, might only take care of to bowl 20.2 overs throughout West Indies’ very first innings.
Cummins did not take the field after lunch on Day 4, following Australia’s statement after Marnus Labuschagne’s second century of the suit.
According to Cricket Australia, he was managing ‘some discomfort’.
Cricket Australia speaker informed that the Aussie Examination captain worried in his quadriceps. The group physio therapist will certainly examine his wellness as well as take the call on whether he will be able to bowl any type of additionally in the suit. In his absence, Smith will be in charge of procedures on the field.
“Pat Cummins is experiencing some moderate right-sided quadricep discomfort,” a CA official stated.
“He will certainly remain to be checked by group clinical staff and also his availability to bowl in the 2nd innings will certainly be analyzed on a recurring basis. Steve Smith will certainly captain the side while Cummins is off the area,” the authorities was quoted by ESPN Cricinfo as stating.
While opener Marcus Harris is the replacement fielder for Cummins, Australia have actually trapped Scott Boland as his substitute bowler.
With a heavy Test schedule in 2023, consisting of tours of India and England, Australia’s selectors did have a technique in place as to how they would certainly handle their fast bowlers across 5 back-to-back Tests this summertime.
It’s possible that some red-ball regulars will certainly be relaxed. With just a four-day break in between the Perth and also Adelaide Tests versus the West Indies, as well as four days between each of the 3 Tests against South Africa, the selectors’ management method hinges on how much Australia’s quicks would certainly bowl and the surface areas they would bowl on.
Currently, there are injuries galore in both camps. A couple of West Indians– seamer Kemar Roach as well as batrer Nkrumah Bonner endured injuries in the current Examination.
Australia have a stuffed summer with a number of Test suits versus the West Indies, a three-match series against South Africa and also the high-stakes Ashes.
The physical fitness of their fast bowlers will be the key for the Aussies as they enter into their upcoming Examinations.
