Pat Cummins’ mother, Maria, died with the Australian Test cricket team to pay tribute to their patron and their loss in the fourth match against India.
Maria Cummins, the mother of Australia men’s Test cricket team captain Pat Cummins, has died.
The cricketer left India after the second Test of the four-match series in India to be by his mother’s side at their home in Sydney.
Maria was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. The cancer returned in early 2022 before reaching the point where she was moved to hospice care.
“I feel like I’m better off being here with my family,” he said in a statement at the time.
‘I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding.’
His teammates will wear black armbands in the fourth Test against India on Friday to honor their captain and Maria.
Maria Cummins (left) with Pat Cummins and her sisters Laura and Kara during Happier Times
Cricket Australia released the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Maria Cummins overnight. On behalf of Australian Cricket, we extend our deepest condolences to Pat, the Cummins family and his friends,” the statement read.
The Australian men’s team will be wearing black armbands today as a mark of respect.
Earlier, the Barmy Army, the traveling support group for the English Test cricket team, paid tribute to Maria by playing a song on her behalf in a Test match against New Zealand.
Cummins personally thanked Barmy Army for their gesture.
‘This is amazing @TheBarmyArmy thank you. Mom loved seeing this and she was so touched,” she posted at the time.
Tributes have started pouring in from former Aussie Test cricketers.
Former bowler Brendon Julian said in a comment: “Just before we kick off today our prayers, thoughts and condolences go out to the Pat Cummins family, with mother Maria passing away and the Australian players wearing a black armband.”
“Our hearts and prayers are with Patty and her family at this time,” added Brad Haddin, a Fox Sports analyst and former Test goalkeeper.
MORE TO COME
