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Australia captain Pat Cummins, while addressing the media on Thursday, January 2, also hinted at the possibility to miss the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which is set to commence from January 29. Speaking on the sidelines of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series down under, Cummins desired to be at home with his wife Becky and son Albie.
Moreover, the couple is set to welcome their second child later this month and Cummins have spoken on the desire to be with his wife during this time after he missed last time during the birth of his son. Furthermore, the decision by Cummins is deeply influenced by his past personal experiences, particularly the loss of his mother Maria.
Pat Cummins likely to miss Sri Lanka tour; Travis Head or Steve Smith to take over
Speaking at the launch of the pink Test for the McGrath Foundation, the veteran Australia all-rounder reflected on balancing professional commitments with family life. "In some ways it really makes you focus in on what I think is important," he told the Daily Telegraph at the launch of the Pink Test. "It's family, it's enjoyment, it's trying to find joy in life and I think that's been a slight shift in the way I've approached playing and touring and it's just given me that real decluttering mindset,” he added.
"When you go out you just want to play well and of course there's going to be pressure, but you don't want to forget that what mum and dad used to say to us every time we went and played as kids, was to go and enjoy it. Try your best, but make sure you enjoy it. I try and remind myself of that every time I go on a tour or play," he continued.
"Whatever you choose to do there's always an opportunity cost. And I think in the last few years that's probably rung true. That is when you go away on a tour you are missing out on maybe family time or moments. That's a deliberate choice so make sure you are making the most of that tour or that game if that makes sense," Cummins further added. Reflecting on the birth of his first child, Albie, Cummins expressed regret for missing the early weeks of his son's life while playing in a World Cup as he said, "I missed a big chunk last time. I want to spend more time at home for this initial period."
Australia to tour Sri Lanka from January 29
The Australia men’s cricket team is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka during January-February to take part in a two-match Test series and a lone ODI game. The Test series is of crucial importance as it will decide the fate of several teams, including Australia, Sri Lanka as well as India. While the first Test is set to be played from January 29 at the Galle International Stadium in Galle, the second Test will commence from February 6 onwards at the same venue.
