Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins suffered a huge blow as his mother passed away after battling cancer in Sydney, Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday. The Australian team will be wearing the black armbands to honour Cummins’s mother Maria on day 2 of the fourth Test match against India at Ahmedabad.
Cricket Australia issued a statement that confined the news. “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 wrote on their Twitter handle.
Earlier, Cummins went home after the Delhi Test match ended to be with his mother who was in palliative care. In his absence, Steve Smith was handed over the captaincy role.
“I have decided against returning to India at this time,” Cummins said earlier.
“I feel I am best being here with my family.
“I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding.”
Currently, Australia are locking horns against India in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Ahmedabad. After winning the toss, Steve Smith, Australia’s stand-in skipper opted to bat first on a batting-friendly surface. Usman Khwaja scored a brilliant hundred and helped Australia post 255/4 on day 1. Cameron Green also amassed 49 off 64 deliveries and remained not out. With the help of his knock, Australia added 106 runs in the final session despite losing two early wickets.