Cricket Australia has confirmed that Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, lost his mother last night. She had been receiving palliative care for several days, which is why the player was absent from the last two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that is currently taking place.
In the meantime, the Australian board released a statement stating that the team led by Steve Smith will wear black armbands as a gesture of respect for Maria Cummins, the mother of Pat Cummins.
Australian players to wear black armbands
On behalf of Indian Cricket, we express our sadness at the passing away of Pat Cummins mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family in this difficult period 🙏
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 10, 2023
Coach Andrew McDonald informed the Australian players of the heartbreaking news before the beginning of the second day of the final Test in Ahmedabad.
“We are deeply saddened at the passing of Maria Cummins overnight. On behalf of Australian Cricket, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat, the Cummins family and their friends. The Australian Men’s team will today wear black armbands as a mark of respect,” Cricket Australia’s statement read.
We are deeply saddened at the passing of Maria Cummins overnight. On behalf of Australian Cricket, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat, the Cummins family and their friends. The Australian Men's team will today wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) March 10, 2023
After leading Australia in the first two Tests, Cummins departed for Sydney to be with his sick mother who was receiving palliative care last month.
While he was away, Steve Smith took over as captain and led the team to a nine-wicket victory in the Indore Test.
As the ongoing Test series against India stands at 2-1 in favor of India, Australia is determined to stage a comeback and level the score with the hosts.
