Steve Smith may lead Australia against India in remaining Test series amid absence of Pat Cummins

Regular skipper Cummins returned to Australia mid-series due to a 'family illness'.

Cummins flew home to Sydney following the Aussies' second-Test defeat last week, explaining in a statement that his mother "is ill and in palliative care".

With a nine-day break between Tests following the three-day finish in Delhi, it had been hoped the 29-year-old would return to India for the third Test beginning Wednesday.

But Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday Cummins would miss the Indore Test.

They are keeping the door open for him to return for the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, but Smith could end up captaining in both the remaining matches, read the website.

"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."

Smith spent four days in Dubai with his wife Dani following the second Test before re-joining the Australia squad in Delhi on Thursday evening (India time), when he was informed of Cummins' decision to remain at home for the next Test.

It will be the third time Smith has led the Test side since his reinstatement as vice-captain in late 2021 when Cummins took over from Tim Paine.

Smith has filled in as skipper for two Tests that Cummins has been unavailable for - both of which have been in Adelaide over the past two summers.

Smith was captain for 34 Tests between 2014 and 2018, including Australia's most recent Test tour of India in 2017, a controversy-marred campaign which Smith dominated with the bat, scoring three centuries.