The India vs Australia 3rd test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 will be played from March 01 onwards and Steve Smith will lead the side in that test without regular skipper Pat Cummins. After India defeated Australia in the 2nd test, it was made official that Cummins would fly back to Australia to attend to his ailing mother. However, initially, it was said that Cummins will be available for the 3rd test in Indore. Smith last led Australia in the 2nd test of Australia’s home series against the West Indies in December last year.
Steve Smith lost his position as the captain of Australia after the “Sandpaper Incident” against South Africa in 2018. Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft were found involved in the sandpaper scandal and were handed suspensions. Since that incident, Australia has been led by Tim Paine and Pat Cummins in test cricket.
Smith was banned for 2 years for his involvement in the sandpaper scandal. Following his return to international cricket, Smith contributed to his team as a player. Unlike David Warner, who was banned from leadership permanently, Smith was named the vice-captain of the Australian test team following the controversial exit of the-then captain Tim Paine and the appointment of Cummins as Australia’s 47th test skipper. Since then, he has led the Kangaroos whenever Pat Cummins had to miss a test match.
