Pat Cummins's mother, Maria Cummins, passed away overnight. Earlier, Cummins left for Australia after the 2nd Test in Delhi to be with his ailing mother. Australian players will wear black armbands in respect of Cummins' mother in the ongoing 4th Test against India in Ahmedabad. In the absence of Pat, Steve Smith is currently leading the Australian side.
Cricket Australia took to Twitter and wrote, "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."
"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 Tweeted.
Heading towards the 4th Test, there was no indication that Pat would return to captain the side in the in Ahmedabad. Andrew McDonald, in conversation with reporters on before the last Test said that Pat was constantly in touch with the team.
Recently, Smith said that his time as captain is over and iterated that Cummins is the undisputed leader. "My time is done. It’s Pat’s team now. I’ve obviously been able to stand in this week, obviously in tough circumstances with Patty going home. Our thoughts are still with him back home," Smith said.
As of now, it is unclear if Cummins will be able to join the team by the time the ODI series starts rolling.
