Australia captain Pat Cummins out of third Test against India to be with ill mother
Pat Cummins is out of the third Test against India after choosing to stay by his ill mother's bedside.
Cummins flew home after the second Test in Delhi and has chosen to spend another week at home to spend time with his mother Maria, who is in palliative care.
Steve Smith will take over as captain in Cummins' absence.
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Pat Cummins of Australia speaks to the media after day three in Nagpur. Getty
"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 on Friday.
"I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding."
India has a 2-0 lead in the series and the third Test starts on March 1 in Indore.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc are in line to be recalled as the all-rounder and pace bowler in the side.
That would again afford room for the three spin bowlers - Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann - on what is expected to be another sharply spinning track.
Pace bowler Lance Morris has remained in India as cover for Cummins.
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