Australia captain Cummins to miss Indore Test

Australia captain Pat Cummins will miss the third Test in India after returning home to be with his ailing mother in Sydney, Cricket Australia said on Friday.

Steve Smith will lead the side in Indore, where the match begins on Wednesday, in absence of skipper and paceman Cummins, reports Reuters.

Cummins returned home after Australia succumbed to their second successive defeat in the four-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India will retain having taken a 2-0 lead.

"I have decided against returning to India at this time," Cummins said in a statement adding his mother was "ill and in palliative care.

"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."

While Australia are hoping Cummins will be back for the final Test in Ahmedabad from March 9, Smith could end up leading the side in both matches.