Australia captain Pat Cummins has suffered a major blow after his mother passed away after battling cancer in Sydney, Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday. The Australian team will wear black armbands to honor Cummins’ mother Maria on the second day of the fourth Test against India in Ahmedabad.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Maria Cummins overnight. On behalf of Cricket Australia, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat, the Cummins family and their friends. The Australian men’s team will wear black armbands today as a mark of respect.
– Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 10, 2023
Cricket Australia released a statement which limited the news. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Maria Cummins overnight. On behalf of Cricket Australia, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat, the Cummins family and their friends.
Cricket Australia wrote on its Twitter handle, “The Australian men’s team will wear black armbands today as a mark of respect.”
Earlier, Cummins had gone home after the end of the Delhi Test match to be with his mother, who was in palliative care. In his absence, Steve Smith was given the captaincy role.
Cummins had earlier said, “I have decided not to return to India at this point of time.”
“I feel best here with my family.
“I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. thanks for understanding.”
Currently, Australia are locking horns against India in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad. After winning the toss, Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith elected to bat first on a batting-friendly surface. Usman Khawaja scored a brilliant century and helped Australia post 255/4 on the first day. Cameron Green also scored 49 off 64 balls and remained unbeaten. His knock helped Australia add 106 runs in the final session despite losing two early wickets.
