AUS vs ENG: Why is Pat Cummins Not Playing Today? Who is Australia Captain?

Pat Cummins Not Playing AUS vs ENG: In a massive breaking news, Australia captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test match against Australia scheduled to start from 16 December in Adelaide. Cummins reportedly came in close contact with a COVID-19 positive case at a restaurant last night in Adelaide and thus, he will not be playing the pink ball day-night Test match. Hosts Australia took a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series after their outstanding 9-wicket victory in the first Test match.

Why is Pat Cummins Not Playing Today?

Australian captain Pat Cummins went out dining at a restaurant in Adelaide last night with another professional cricketer and someone at an adjoining table was identified as a positive COVID-19 case. It is being learnt that Cummins immediately left the place and also alerted the authorities. According to the COVID-19 protocols, the Aussie skipper will require to get tested immediately and isolate for 7 days after which the next set of tests will happen on Day 6 and 13 and negative results will ensure him to resume normal routine. Cricket Australia (CA) has also released a statement mentioning that Cummins has not breached any protocols.

CONFIRMED: Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the Adelaide Test.

Steve Smith will captain.

Michael Neser will debut. #Ashes

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2021

Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green. He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!

— Pat Cummins (@patcummins30) December 16, 2021

Related: Fan Invades the Field during First Ashes Test – WATCH

“Cummins was dining in a restaurant last night and did not breach any biosecurity protocols. He isolated as soon as he became aware of the situation and has since had a PCR test, which produced a negative result. We anticipate that he will be available to play in the third Vodafone men’s Ashes Test at the MCG in Melbourne,” a release from Cricket Australia stated.

“Cummins is understandably very disappointed not to be able to captain Australia for the day-night Test in Adelaide. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were dining at the same restaurant as Cummins but at a separate table outdoors. SA Health has deemed them casual contacts and they are free to play,” the release added.

Related: England 12-man Squad for 2nd ASHES Test

AUS vs ENG: Who is Australia Captain?

In the absence of Cummins, Steve Smith will captain Australia in the day-night Test match against England starting from Thursday at the Adelaide Oval. Incidentally, this will be the first time that Smith will be leading the national side post the Sandpapergate scandal in Cape Town. Cricket Australia have also revealed that Michael Neser will be making his Test debut while replacing Pat Cummins in the Australia Playing 11 while Travis Head has been named the vice-captain.

Australia Playing 11 (Confirmed)
David Warner
Marcus Harris
Marnus Labuschagne
Steve Smith
Travis Head
Alex Carey
Cameron Green
Michael Neser
Mitchell Starc
Nathan Lyon
Jhye Richardson