In a saddening news for Australian team, Pat Cummins' mother Maria breathed her last peacefully in Sydney earlier on Friday. Maria was battling a serious illness and was in palliative care with Australian skipper Cummins by her side, who returned to Australia after second Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series against India.
Meanwhile, the Australian team will wear black armbands in the ongoing fourth Test against India in Ahmedabad in recognition of Maria, and grateful in the knowledge that Cummins and the rest of his family had precious time with Maria during her last days.
“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,” tweeted Cricket Australia, who expressed condolences to Pat Cummins and his family.
Cummins, who had revealed that his mother, who was sadly first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2005, had been battling a serious illness in recent weeks, had earlier said,"I have decided against returning to India at this time. 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".
Meanwhile, in absence of Cummins, Steve Smith took up the captaincy mantle and is leading the Australian pack in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series. He also led his side to an emphatic nine-wicket victory in the third Test after Australia lost the first two matches in Nagpur and Delhi respectively.
Meanwhile, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also lamented the death of Cummins' mother.
“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.
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