Pat Cummins is set to step down as Australia captain Just After BGT

(Cricket CA)

Pat Cummins is set to step down as Australia captain

Australian captain Pat Cummins has suggested that he may miss the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka, which is their final series in the World Test Championship 2023-25. Cummins explained that the recent passing of his mother is influencing his decision, and he expressed a strong desire to prioritize spending time with his family.

The Australian team is scheduled to play two Tests in Sri Lanka from January 29 to February 10. With Cummins likely to be absent due to family commitments and the impending birth of his second child, one of Steve Smith or Travis Head may be called upon to lead the team in his place during the tour.

Ahead of the fifth Test at the SCG, Pat Cummins opened up about how the profound loss of his mother, Maria, in 2023 deeply impacted his outlook on life. He shared that her passing has made him reassess his priorities, emphasizing the importance of family, cherishing small moments, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. This shift in perspective has helped him focus more on what truly matters, both on and off the field, as he continues his cricketing career.

“In some ways it really makes you focus in on what I think is important. It’s family, it’s enjoyment, it’s trying to find joy in life and I think that’s been a slight shift in the way I’ve approached playing and touring and it’s just given me that real decluttering mindset,” Cummins told the Daily Telegraph

Also Read: Gautam Gambhir criticizes Rohit Sharma, suggesting he will be dropped from the Sydney Test

Cummins made the tough decision to leave the 2023 India tour after just two Tests to be by his mother Maria’s side as she received palliative care. The right-arm fast bowler didn’t return to the field until after her passing in May.

Reflecting on his approach to cricket, Pat Cummins shared that the advice from his parents to “enjoy it” has been a guiding principle throughout his career. He emphasized that, despite the pressures of the game, he always strives to find joy in playing.

“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 what mum and dad used to say to us every time we went and played as kids, was to go and enjoy it. Try your best, but make sure you enjoy it. I try and remind myself of that every time I go on a tour or play,” Cummins added.

“Whatever you choose to do there’s always an opportunity cost. And I think in the last few years that’s probably rung true. That is when you go away on a tour you are missing out on maybe family time or moments. That’s a deliberate choice so make sure you are making the most of that tour or that game if that makes sense.”

Pat Cummins is currently leading Australia in the five-match Test series against India, with the hosts holding a 2-1 lead after four matches. Australia is eager to win the final Test, scheduled to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from Friday, January 3, in hopes of clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since the 2014-15 series.

Cummins has been in outstanding form, leading the wicket-taking charts for Australia with 20 wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 22.65, including best bowling figures of 5/57. He was also named “Player of the Match” for his all-round performance in the Boxing Day Test, where Australia triumphed with an 184-run victory in Melbourne.