Picture Credit: Twitter
Maria Cummins, mother of Australian Test captain Pat Cummins passed away after succumbing to a prolonged illness. Cricket Australia confirmed the news via a statement on social media on Friday morning, before the start of Day 2 of the ongoing fourth Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Download SportsTiger app for the latest IND v AUS news and updates
CA also stated that the Australian players will wear "black armbands as a mark of respect" for Pat Cummins and his family. The fast bowler had flown back home to be with his mother, who was placed in intensive care, after the second Test in Delhi last month. Cummins revealed that his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2005 and was battling a serious illness in recent weeks.
The Cricket Australia statement said, “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."
The BCCI and Indian team also extended their condolences to Pat Cummins and his family. The statement said, “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.”
Replacing the absent Cummins, top-order batter Steve Smith has been leading the side in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the last two Tests. After losing the first two games, Australia finally won the third Test under Smith.
Pat Cummins was appointed as the 47th captain of the Australian Test team after veteran wicketkeeper-batter Tim Paine issued his resignation. He is the first fast bowler to take on the role of full-time Australian Test captain.
Download SportsTiger app for the latest sports news and updates
