Pat Cummins’ mother Maria Cummins dies after battling prolonged illness, Aussie players wear black armbands on Day 2
The 29-year-old had revealed that his mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2005, had been battling serious injury in recent weeks.
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Pat Cummins with his family
Australia captain Pat Cummins‘ mother, Maria Cummins died after batting prolonged illness on Thursday night in Sydney. Cricket Australia announced the news on Friday (March 10) via a Twitter post ahead of the start of Day 2 of the fourth Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Aussie players are wearing “black armbands” as a mark of respect for Cummins and his family.
“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,” CA tweeted.
The 29-year-old had revealed that his mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2005, had been battling serious injury in recent weeks. Right after the conclusion of the second Test in Delhi, he flew back to be with his ailing mother, who was placed into palliative care.
“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,” Cummins had said.
Steve Smith is leading the side in the absence of Pat Cummins
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared a post to share condolences with Pat Cummins and his family in this difficult period. A couple of days earlier, Australia’s arch rivals England’s support group The Barmy Army shared a video where they were playing the song Maria from the musical West Side Story to pay tribute to Cummins’ mother during England’s Test against New Zealand.
Reportedly, it had been more than a year since Maria’s breast cancer returned. Cricket Australia and the management have always taken several decisions by keeping in mind Maria’s declining health. Cummins decided to miss this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) where he plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders to spend time with his family at home amid a year that has an India tour, an England tour, and the ODI World Cup.
Cummins always wanted to fly back home for a few days to spend time with his mother between the second and third India series. But only after arriving in India that he got to know about his mother being moved into palliative care. Though he was given the choice of returning home immediately, he decided to lead the side in Delhi but flew back right afterward.
His teammates have been supportive over the past three weeks. “We’re sons, partners, fathers first, people first, and cricketers second. He’s got the complete support of the group,” said teammate Mitchell Starc who lost his father Paul, to cancer, during the 2020-21 season.
Cummins became Australia’s first fast-bowler to captain the Test side on November 26, 2021, following the resignation of Tim Paine. After he left for home following the Delhi Test, vice-captain Steve Smith became the stand-in skipper. He led in Indore and is currently captaining the side at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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