Australia's fast bowler and current captain, Pat Cummins, may be unavailable for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka in early 2025, as the fast bowler and his wife are expecting their second child. Sri Lanka Cricket announced the tour schedule on Friday, November 1, 2024, with the series set to take place in January and February 2025.

The tour includes two crucial Test matches, both scheduled to be held in Galle, from January 29 to February 2 and February 6 to February 10. The teams will also face off in a single One Day International (ODI) on February 13, though the venue for the ODI is yet to be confirmed. These matches are vital for both teams as they look to secure a spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC).

Cummins' potential absence will be a significant blow for Australia, as he plays a pivotal role as both a bowler and captain. Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald, acknowledged that Cummins might choose to miss the series, stating, "We'll see what that looks like closer to the time. We've got a couple of players in Mitch Marsh and Travis Head taking paternity leave at the moment (for the Pakistan ODI series)," McDonald was quoted as saying by India Today.

"So we respect that if that was to unfold for that particular time and if he wants to miss a Test. If he's got bigger things to take care of than a Test match in Sri Lanka, then that's fine with us," the former cricketer added.