Courtesy of Nathan Lyon's 11 wickets in the Test match, the third Test was finished in three days. Australia's first-day success was crucial in guiding the team to this triumph, and they will feel confident going into the series' final Test, which will be played in Ahmedabad beginning on March 9.
Several sources indicate Smith would continue to serve as captain for the fourth and final Test in Ahmedabad despite no information on regular skipper Pat Cummins. The management is in continual contact with Cummins, according to Australian coach Andrew Mc Donald, who asserted that his availability will be soon discussed.
Smith asserted that Cummins remains the uncontested leader following the victory in Indore, marking the end of his tenure as captain. Due to a health issue, Cummins left the team just after the second Test in Delhi to spend time with his family. Earlier, it was reported that he might return for the last Test, but that now it seems unsure.
What did Steven Smith and Coach Andrew Mcdonald speak about Pat Cummins?
Smith spoke to the reporters about the situation after the match. He said,
"My time is done. It's Pat's team now. I've obviously been able to stand in this week, obviously in tough circumstances with Patty going home. Our thoughts are still with him back home."
Coach Andrew McDonald also spoke to the reporters about this situation. He said,
"He is obviously dealing with what he is dealing with at home but he is still so invested in the group. Our thoughts are still with him and his family at this difficult time."
The final Test will begin on 9th March. Australia recovered from losing the first two Tests by winning the third, and the final Test is currently in good shape. With a victory in Indore, Australia have guaranteed their place in the WTC final, while India still have a chance to earn the other slot for the summit match. India must win to get to the final because a draw would force them to rely on other outcomes.
Fans react to Smith potentially captaining the fourth Test as well:
Steven Smith likely to continue as captain in the 4th Test as Pat Cummins set to miss.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 5, 2023
Good for Australia. Steve Smith knows how to use the spinners well. Should have captained the first test two match as well. If India needs to win the next match our top order needs to step up, especially Virat. Being a senior batsman hasn't scored any impactful innings so far.
— Philips (@vasanthsk2) March 5, 2023
During last Indian tour Smith won pune test and lost remaining, he won indore but will lost in ahmedabad
— Satish Pawar (@Satishpawaar) March 5, 2023
Bad News For India 😞 pic.twitter.com/egkd758phJ
— Oggy 💙 (@SirOggyBilla) March 5, 2023
Congratulations Australia from drawing the series
— VIRAT TILL DEATH #vijayshankar𓃵 (@ViratTilldeath) March 5, 2023
McDonald ne kaha hoga wahi pe reh Cummins
— Brown Munday (@KhansClan) March 5, 2023
Majak nahi hora cumins Firsa laut aao
— Chalak Billu (@chalakbilllllu) March 5, 2023
He should be permanent captain of Australia, he has got a great cricketing brain .
— vikkas (@viks15680) March 5, 2023