Australian captain Pat Cummins has hinted that he may skip the Sri Lanka Test series, which is their last series of the 2023-25 World Test Championship. Pat Cummins revealed that the recent death of his mother was behind his decision and expressed his strong desire to prioritize being with his family.
The Australian cricket team will play two Tests in Sri Lanka from January 29 to February 10. Australia will likely be without Cummins as he and his wife, Becky, are expecting their second child during that time. This means that one of Steve Smith or Travis Head can step in as captain for the tournament in his absence.
That was a slight change in the way we approached the game – Pat Cummins
Ahead of the fifth Test at the SCG, Pat Cummins told how the death of his mother Maria in 2023 changed his life's priorities. He said it made him focus more on what really matters, like family and finding joy in life.
“In a way, it makes you focus on what I think is important. It's family, it's fun, I try to find joy in life and I think that was a slight change in the way I approached the game and the tournaments and it just gave me that real messy mentality,” he told the Daily Telegraph at launch. of the pink test.
Cummins took the difficult decision to quit the 2023 India tour after just two Tests to be with his mother, Maria, while she received palliative care. The right-arm fast bowler did not return to the game until after her passing in May.
I try to remember this every time – Pat Cummins
Reflecting on his approach to cricket, Pat Cummins pointed out that his parents' advice to “enjoy it” stuck with him throughout his career. Pat said he wants to always find joy in playing despite the pressures of the game.
“When you go out you just want to play well and of course there's going to be pressure but you don't want to forget that mum and dad told us every time we went and played when we were kids, it was go and enjoy by her. Try your best, but make sure you enjoy it. I try to remember that every time I go to a tournament or play,” Cummins added.
“Whatever you choose to do, there is always an opportunity cost. And I think in recent years that's probably rung true. When you go on a tour, you may lose time or family moments. This is a deliberate choice, so make sure you get the most out of that tournament or that game if it makes sense.”
Pat Cummins leads Australia in a five-match Test series against India
Cummins is currently leading Australia in the five-match Test series against India. Australia are currently 2-1 after four Test matches. The home side are looking to win the final game, to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney from Friday, January 3, to win the BGT for the first time since 2014-15.
The Australian skipper is the top wicket-taker for the hosts, taking 20 wickets in four matches at an average of 22.65 with best bowling figures of 5/57. Cummins was awarded 'Player of the Match' for his all-round performance in the Boxing Day Test, where Australia secured a 184-run victory in Melbourne.
Read also: 'Jasprit Bumrah fanboy' Glenn McGrath claims Australia would have won the BGT unilaterally if…