SYDNEY: Australia skipper Pat Cummins will not be part of the third Test of the series against India in Indore as he decided to stay home due to a family emergency. 

The fast bowler returned to Australia just hours after the second Test in Delhi to be with his mother who is in critical health condition. He was supposed to come back and join the team in Indore before the third Test, scheduled from March 1 to 5.

Cricket Australia has now confirmed that Cummins will remain in the country, citing his mother’s illness and palliative care as a reason.

“I have decided against returning to India at this time as my mother is ill and in palliative care. I feel I am best being here with my family,” Cummins said in a CA statement on Friday.

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

In the absence of Cummins, vice-captain Steve Smith will lead the side in Indore with visitors trailing 2-0 in the series after crushing losses in the first two Tests.

Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood, David Warner and Ashton Agar also returned home due to various reasons but Australia did not name any replacements to fill the void. They now expect left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Cameron Green to be completely fit before the third Test after both were sidelined with finger injuries.

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