Australia’s senior pacer and Captain Pat Cummins is reportedly set to miss the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2022/23 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium from 9th March. The former World number 1 flew back to Sydney right after the conclusion of the 2nd Test due to personal reasons involving family illness but was expected to return for the 3rd Test.

However, due to his mother’s illness, Cummins could not join the team in time and reports are now suggesting that Steve Smith will once again be the Captain of the baggy greens after leading the Aussies to a 9-wicket win in the do or die Test at Indore.

THE AUSSIES BOUNCE BACK!

India has suffered just its third loss at home in the past decade, and the series stands at 2-1.

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— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) March 3, 2023

It will be a vital 4th Test at Gujarat for both India and Australia. The hosts have a must win game in their hands if they are to secure a second consecutive ICC WTC Final spot. For the visitors, they don’t have much to lose as they have qualified for the WTC final at Oval (after winning at Indore) and a draw or a win in the final BGT Test will dent India’s hopes for back-to-back finals.

It will be interesting to see if the Ahmedabad Test lasts till the 5th day as the previous 3 BGT tests have ended in the 3rd day. The surface at Indore (for the 3rd test) was heavily criticized for its unnatural behavior and the pitch at Ahmedabad will also offer help to spinners as the game proceeds.

Rohit Sharma says the intense focus on the pitches in India is not "necessary".

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— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) March 4, 2023

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins’ involvement for the ODI’s are also unclear at the moment and it will be tough call for the Australian management to choose a Captain in his absence. Cummins has also pulled out of this year’s IPL owing to jam packed International schedule which has already begun with many more high-octane matches in the summers.

Will Australia come out on top in the 4th Test?

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