Steve Smith likely to captain Australia during Sri Lanka tour; Pat Cummins expected to miss out: Reports

Australia are getting ready to play India in the final match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy starting on Friday. Ahead of the massive game, reports carried by CODE sports have said that Steve Smith could lead the side during the tour of Sri Lanka. The Aussies are set to play 2 matches during the tour of Sri Lanka. 

Pat Cummins and his partner Becky Boston are set to become parents for a second time. Both the Test matches will be played with the Galle International Stadium with the tour also set to have a solo ODI game. Australia will then head to Pakistan for the 2025 Champions Trophy. 

Last time, Steve Smith led Australia was during the tour of India in early 2023. If Australia goes onto lose the SCG Test to India then they have to win at least one game in Sri Lanka. It is to be noted that the Aussies are placed 2nd in the WTC and are the defending champions of the World Test Championships cycle. 

Pat Cummins lauds Mitchell Starc ahead of SCG Test

Australian skipper Pat Cummins addressed the media ahead of the start of the SCG Test against India. One of the biggest questions has been the fitness of Mitchell Starc who seemed to be struggling during the final day of the MCG Test match. Cummins said to the media, “He has bowled 145 KMPH for 15 years now it seems like and a lot of overs.”

The 31-year-old also said, “You just don’t do that without dealing with different niggles or setbacks. He just grits his teeth and gets on with it. He’s the one player who refuses ever to talk about being rested or rotated. He just wants to go out there and play for Australia.”

“He’s had some quiet games in the past and people are out to get him. He just wants to turn up and play. I just have huge admiration for him from that point of view. As a bowler, I think he’s adapted a lot. Particularly in the last 5 years. he’s now got a wobble seam and uses the bounce pretty well. He’s got a lot of different strengths, he comes around the wicket to the right-handers, I think he’s very proactive. He knows his skillsets really well and he’s an absolute dream as a captain. You feel like you’ve got five bowlers in one” said Pat Cummins about his senior pacer.