Pat Cummins, Australia's regular Test captain, has hinted that he may skip the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka, their final series in the World Test Championship 2023-25, to focus on his family. Cummins, who recently lost his mother and is expecting the birth of his second child with his wife Becky, expressed his desire to prioritize spending time with loved ones.

The series against Sri Lanka is scheduled from January 29 to February 6, but Cummins suggested that family matters may take precedence. He told The Daily Telegraph on the eve of the fifth Test against India in Sydney, "It's pretty hard to plan exactly the day, but definitely (I might miss the Sri Lanka tour)."

"In the last few years, that's really rung true. When you go away on tour, you're missing out on family time or moments. That's a deliberate choice, so you have to make sure you're making the most of that tour or that game, if that makes sense." he added.

In his absence, Steve Smith or Travis Head are likely to take over the captaincy duties for the crucial series.

Cummins reflected on how his mother's passing in 2023 reshaped his perspective on life and cricket. "In some ways, it really makes you focus in on what I think is important. It's family, it's enjoyment, it's trying to find joy in life... I try to remind myself of that every time I go on a tour or play."

"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 what mum and dad used to say to us every time we went out to play as kids: 'Go and enjoy it. Try your best, but make sure you enjoy it.' I try to remind myself of that every time I go on a tour or play."

He also highlighted the challenges of balancing family life with international commitments, noting how he regretted missing the early days of his son Albie's life due to the World Cup.

"I missed a big chunk (of Albie's early days) last time and I want to work out how we can spend a bit more time at home for that initial period this time," Cummins had said.