Lagatar24 Desk
Ahmedabad, March 10: On the second day of the fourth Test against India, which will decide the series, Australian players donned black armbands as a mark of respect for skipper Pat Cummins’ mother Maria, who passed away in Sydney.
Maria, whose breast cancer relapsed in recent weeks, had been dealing with a serious illness since her initial diagnosis in 2005. She passed away on Thursday night at her home. Before the second day of the last Test began here, coach Andrew McDonald informed the Australian players of the tragic news.
“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,” Cricket Australia said in a statement on Friday.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith led the team to a nine-wicket victory in the Indore Test while he was away.
Usman Khawaja (104) scored an unbeaten hundred, helping Australia to 255/4 at the end of the first day, and Cameron Green made 49 before being bowled out.