Pat Cummins stays back in Sydney; Steve Smith to lead Australia in 3rd Test

• Pat Cummins will not play the third Test against India in Indore starting March 1 as he has decided to stay back in Sydney
• Steve Smith will lead the Australian side in Cummins' absence in the third Test
• "I have decided against returning to India at this time," said Cummins who is attending his ailing mother

Australia captain Pat Cummins will not play the third Test against India in Indore starting March 1 as he has decided to stay back in Sydney with his ailing mother. Steve Smith will lead the Australian side in Cummins' absence in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

"I have decided against returning to India at this time," said Cummins. "I feel I am best being here with my family. I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding."

Cummins had flown back home after India defeated Australia in the second Test in Delhi by six wickets. He was initially supposed to return before the third Test match but now he has decided to stay back with his family and support them in this difficult time.

The Australian think tank is hopeful of Cummins' return before the final Test in Ahmedabad but if his mother's health doesn't improve then Smith will continue to lead the side. Notably, Cummins is also supposed to lead Australia in the three-match ODI series against India starting March 17.