Pat Cummins’ mother dies, Australia wear black armbands to pay tribute

AHMEDABAD: Australian cricket team are wearing black armbands on day two of the final Test against India following the death of regular skipper Pat Cummins’ mother Maria on Friday.

Cummins flew home immediately after the second Test in Delhi last month to be around his mother, who was seriously ill and in palliative care.

Maria died in Sydney overnight, confirmed Cricket Australia in a short statement on Friday.

“We are deeply saddened at the passing of Maria Cummins overnight,” said Cricket Australia on Twitter.

“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,” it added.

It may be noted here that Steve Smith serves as Australia’s stand-in skipper in the ongoing final Test. He also captained the side during Australia’s eight-wicket win against the home side in the third Test in Indore.

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