'Stay at home' - Jason Gillespie wants Pat Cummins to stay back in Australia for the remainder of the IND-AUS series

Australia’s problems in the ongoing four-match Test series with India don’t seem to end as several players have opted out of the squad, on account of injuries or other personal reasons. While Cameron Green missed the first two matches due to a finger injury, ace opener David Warner had to then leave the squad after he sustained a hairline fracture in the Delhi test. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood also flew back to Australia on medical grounds. Following that, the leader of the Australian pack, Pat Cummins also confirmed his unavailability for the third test. Cummins returned to Australia on February 20 to be with his ailing mother. 

Reacting to the incident, former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie has advised Cummins to stay back in Australia for the remainder of the series. On February 24, it was confirmed that Cummins will miss the third Test scheduled to be held in Indore from March 1, with Steve Smith donning the captain’s hat for the match.

Speaking to Summer GrandStand, as quoted by ABC Online, Gillespie said that Cummins should stay at home with his family as the series is already gone.

The 47-year-old further said that with some important series and tournaments scheduled later this year, it’s a great opportunity for the Australian captain to be with his family.

"It wouldn't surprise me if we didn't see him on this tour [again]," Gillespie was quoted as saying by Summer Grandstand.

Be a son. Be a brother, just be around your family: Jason Gillespie

Gillespie came out in total solidarity with Cummins and his family, advising the Australian skipper to be a family man and spend time with his loved ones, ahead of a tight cricketing season.

"If I was in charge, I'd probably just say to him, 'stay at home'. With all due respect, the series is gone, we can't win the series, there's series coming up this year moving forward, it might just be a really good opportunity for Pat Cummins to spend important time, precious time, with close family and friends,” Gillespie said.

"What's more important, spending time with your close family and friends and particularly your mum who's gravely ill, or the fourth Test of a series that you've already lost,” he asked rhetorically.

"He's already missing the third Test, for me it's an absolute no-brainer. It wouldn't surprise me if behind the scenes they've already said to Pat, we don't need you here in India for this Test series. Be a son. Be a brother, just be around your family. Family is the number one thing,” he further said.

Meanwhile, India have already retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy and will aim to seal the series with a win in the third Test. On the other hand, Australia will play for their pride in the remainder of the series and will look to avoid a whitewash.