Cummins to replace injured Starc for final Tests

Ranchi: New South Wales pacer Patrick Cummins was on Saturday named as the replacement for injured Mitchell Starc for the remaining two cricket Tests of the four-match series against India.

Starc was ruled out of the series with a fractured foot, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Friday.

“It’s unfortunate to lose Mitch out of the squad in India. In selecting Pat, we were looking for a strike bowling replacement option,” national selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

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“Pat has impressed in his return to cricket this summer with consistent performances in his ODI, Twenty20 International and Big Bash matches.

“He has also had a very good Sheffield Shield return for New South Wales, after six years off, where he made a notable Shield best 4-57 in the first innings, before bettering those figures in the second innings with 4-47 in his man-of-the-match performance.”

Cummins will join up with the Australia squad later Saturday evening, with the third Test against India to commence on Thursday.