Cummins has hinted at the possibility of skipping the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka starting January 29 due to the birth of his second child. The Australia captain revealed that his mother's demise last year had reshaped his priorities in life. He returned midway through the India tour to be with his family following the tragic news.

Smith likely to lead Australia in Cummins' absence

According to a Code Sports report, Smith will take over the captaincy duties for the Sri Lanka Tests in the absence of Cummins. Smith previously led Australia regularly until the infamous Sandpapergate scandal in 2018, which stripped him of his leadership duties besides being banned from international and league cricket for 12 months.

He returned to lead Australia on an interim basis in December 2021 when Cummins was unavailable due to Covid-19. His most recent stint came in early 2023 when he led Australia in the final two Tests of the four-match series in India after Cummins headed home following the death of his mother.

The series will be vital for the tourists to secure a berth in the 2023-25 World Test Championship final. A win in any of the two fixtures should see them through along with table-toppers South Africa, who have already qualified.

Cummins explains reasons for potentially skipping Sri Lanka tour

"In some ways it really makes you focus in on what I think is important," Cummins told the Daily Telegraph at the launch of the Pink Test against India. "It's family, it's enjoyment, it's trying to find joy in life and I think that's been a slight shift in the way I've approached playing and touring and it's just given me that real decluttering mindset.

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"When you go out you just want to play well and of course, there's going to be pressure, but you don't want to forget that what mum and dad used to say to us every time we went and played as kids, was to go and enjoy it. Try your best, but make sure you enjoy it. I try and remind myself of that every time I go on a tour or play.

"Whatever you choose to do there's always an opportunity cost. And I think in the last few years that's probably rung true. That is when you go away on a tour you are missing out on maybe family time or moments. That's a deliberate choice so make sure you are making the most of that tour or that game if that makes sense."

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Cummins has previously expressed regret for missing the early weeks of his son Albie’s life due to his commitment to the World Cup: "I missed a big chunk last time. I want to spend more time at home for this initial period."

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