Australia skipper Pat Cummins on Thursday (January 2) hinted that he may skip the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka to be with his wife, Becky, as they are set to welcome their second child.

Australia are scheduled to play two Tests in Sri Lanka from January 29 to February 10, around the same time his wife is due to give birth.

"It's pretty hard to plan exactly the day, but definitely (I might miss the Sri Lanka tour)," Cummins told 'The Daily Telegraph' on the eve of the fifth and final Test against India in Sydney. In his, Steve Smith or Travis Head will step in as captain.

Cummins admitted that his mother's death in 2023 had a profound impact on reshaping his priorities in life. The fast bowler had returned midway through the India tour to be with his mom when she passed away.

"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 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.

"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."

"Whatever you choose to do, there's always an opportunity cost," Cummins reflected.

"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."

Earlier, Pat Cummins regretted missing the early weeks of his son Albie's life due to his commitment 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.

(With PTI Inputs)