Pacer Pat Cummins to replace injured Starc in Australia Test squad

Ranchi, March 11 (Cricketnmore) 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.

"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.