In an extremely sad and disturbing news, Australian skipper Pat Cummins’ mother Maria has passed away today. Cricket Australia (CA), which is the apex body of Australian cricket confirmed this news in the morning.
Cricket Australia also said that the Australian cricket team would be sporting black bands on Day 2 of the 4th Test match that is presently taking place between India and Australia in Ahmedabad.
Notably, Pat Cummins’ mother was battling an illness for a considerable period of time and the Australian speedster had flown back home after the 2nd Test match to be with his ailing mother.
“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,” said CA in a tweet that was posted on the micro-blogging platform, Twitter.
Pat Cummins’ mother was detected with breast cancer in 2005 and most recently in the last few weeks, the condition worsened for Maria. The Australian skipper wanted to spend this time with his family in Australia and therefore left the series midway.
Steve Smith has filled up the captaincy void
Steve Smith has donned the role of the captain in the last couple of Test matches. Under the elegant batter’s captaincy, Australia won the 3rd Test match at Indore by 9 wickets. In the ongoing Test match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Australia are in a commanding position.
Usman Khawaja has brought about his maiden Test century against India and is presently batting at 150* as of Lunch on Day 2.
Cameron Green has been providing support to the southpaw and he is presently batting on 95*. Unless Australia lose wickets like a pack of cards, India would be finding it extremely difficult to crawl back into the game.
Australia still have little batting left in the form of Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc. They would be fancying their chances of getting a big score here at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India however have already pocketed the Border Gavaskar Trophy in this series after winning the first 2 Test matches. This is because they won the last edition of this series. Even if Australia pull things back and win this Test match as well, India will be retaining the trophy.
Also read: IND vs AUS: 3 Players Who Might Be Playing Their Last Border Gavaskar Series
