Ashes 2021-22: Pat Cummins ruled out of 2nd Test, Steve Smith to lead

The Australian side suffered a body blow ahead of the 2nd Ashes Test match at Adelaide. Their skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the 2nd Ashes Test after he came into contact with a person who tested positive for Covid-19.

The same was confirmed by the official Instagram handle of Cricket Australia as well. So, Aussie batter Steve Smith will lead the side in the 2nd Ashes Test, while Michael Neser will make his Test match debut at The Adelaide Oval.

“JUST IN: Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the Adelaide Test after he was deemed a close contact of someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Steve Smith will captain, Michael Neser will debut,” posted the official Instagram handle of Cricket Australia.

You can see the post from Cricket Australia below

Australia to also miss Josh Hazlewood for the 2nd Ashes Test match

Earlier, even Aussie right-arm pacer Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the 2nd Ashes Test match at Adelaide, after suffering a hamstring injury. Jhye Richardson will take Hazlewood’s spot in the playing XI for the second rubber.

David Warner will take the field for the Aussies in the 2nd rubber in spite of suffering from a rib injury in the 1st Test match at The Gabba. Australia currently leads the Ashes series 1-0.

In the 1st Test, the kangaroos outplayed the Joe Root-led side in every department of the game. The 1st Ashes Test ended in just 4 days, and Australia thrashed their opposition by 9 wickets. The stand-out performer for Australia was Travis Head, who smashed a pulsating 152 and destroyed the England bowling attack. Nathan Lyon also crossed the coveted 400-wicket mark in the whites in the 1st rubber at The Gabba as well.