Australian captain Pat Cummins will not return to India for the third Test of the series as he remains back home to spend time with his ill mother, who is currently in palliative care.
Cummins, who flew back to Australia earlier this week, had planned to return to India in time for the third Test, which is set to be played in Indore.
The Australian captain will instead remain in Australia for the foreseeable future as he looks to help care for his mother.
โI 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,โ Cummins said in a statement.
โI appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates.
"Thanks for your understanding.โ
Former Australian skipper Steve Smith will step into the role as captain of the Test side for the third match.
It is not yet known if Cummins is expected to return to India for the fourth and final Test, which will be held in Ahmedabad.
Australia are unable to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after losing the opening two matches of the series.
The third Test will commence on March 1 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium.
