Pat Cummins ruled out of second Test against West Indies; Steve Smith to take over as captain

07-12-2022
2 min read

Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the second Test against West Indies, with the Australian skipper failing to overcome a quad injury.

The 29-year-old didn't bowl in the second innings in Perth, with the Aussies claiming a dominant 164-run victory over the Windies thanks to Nathan Lyon and Marnus Labuschagne's heroics. 

Cummins said in his post-match press conference that he would be pushing to play, but the captain has since been ruled out by team doctors and physios as a precaution. 

The right-arm quick went through a fitness test on Wednesday morning in Adelaide, but with a three-game series against South Africa on the horizon, Australia will play it safe when it comes to their leading man.

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His absence will open the door for Ashes hero Scott Boland to return to the fold as part of the bowling attack, while vice-captain Steve Smith will take the reins and lead the side. 

Cummins has had a busy lead-up to the series against West Indies, including playing in the T20 World Cup and ODI series against England. 

The day-night Test at Adelaide Oval will begin at 3pm AEDT on Thursday afternoon.