Australia captain Pat Cummins misses third test in India due to family illness, with Steve Smith stepping in as skipper

Australia captain Pat Cummins will remain in Sydney and miss the third Test against India to be with his mum who is seriously ill.

Cummins flew home to Australia to be with family in Delhi on Sunday night, immediately after the team’s second Test loss to India in Delhi.

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The 29-year-old informed coach Andrew McDonald of his decision to stay in Australia on Thursday night, which was shared by the rest of the squad at training on Friday morning.

“I have decided not to return to India at this time as my mother is ill and in palliative care. I feel best here with my family,” Cummins said.

“I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my team-mates. Thanks for your understanding.”

Cummins intends to be available for the fourth and final test in Ahmedabad, but it’s possible he will sit out the remainder of the series.

The star’s fast bowler was due to return to India on Friday ahead of the third Test at Indore, which begins March 1.

However, Cummins’ family situation will prevent him from making the return voyage, with Steve Smith stepping in as skipper.

It is the third time Smith has stepped in as Test captain since Cummins became skipper in November 2021.

Cummins have been forced to sit out the last two Pink Ball games in Adelaide against England and the West Indies due to COVID-19 and injuries.

Smith left the Australian camp in Delhi for a short break with wife Dani for Dubai, arriving back in the Indian capital on Thursday evening.

Cummins’ absence is another blow to Australia’s hopes of winning at least one Test in this series to secure their place in the Test World Championship final.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood (Achilles) and veteran opener David Warner (elbows) were sent home through injury, while bowling all-rounder Ashton Agar struggled with form and consistency throughout the tour and returned to Western Australia to play Sheffield Shield .

All-rounder Cameron Green will be making his first test of the series at Indore after breaking a finger at MCG in December.

Green will likely come in for Matt Renshaw and bat at number 6, with Travis Head remaining as opener in place of Warner after a blazing cameo during the second innings in Delhi.

Fast star Mitchell Starc will almost certainly fill the void left by Cummins after the 33-year-old missed the first two Tests against India with a broken finger.

Victorian paceman Scott Boland could also be recalled after dropping out of the XI following his appearance in the series opener at Nagpur.

Australia opted to go up against three spinners – Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann – and pick Cummins as their only recognized quick in Delhi.