Pat Cummins hints at missing Sri Lanka Test series for birth of his second child

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins might miss the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka early next year due to the birth of his second child. Pat Cummins stated that he wants to spend more time at home during the precious time with his family, something he missed after the birth of his first child.

Australia is set to play two Test matches in Sri Lanka in late January and early February. This series could be crucial for Australia to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final match. Australia will compete in a five-match Test series against India at home before traveling to Sri Lanka.

It's Pretty Hard To Plan Exactly The Day - Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins, who has signed a three-year deal with Prime Video, is expecting his second child with his wife Becky in late January or early February. Cummins said that he wants to prioritize family during that time, adding that family commitments will be a priority.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a factor. We haven’t worked out exactly what that looks like – it’s pretty hard to plan exactly the day, but definitely,” Cummins said.

“I missed a big chunk [of son Albie’s early days] last time and I want to work out how we can spend a bit more time at home for that initial period this time around."

It's Not The End Of The World - Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins also said that he needs to balance cricket with his personal life, adding that players shouldn't have to put their lives on hold for cricket. The right-arm pacer said that cricket isn’t everything and that family should come first when necessary.

“Within reason, no one is ever going to bat an eyelid if someone needs to put their family first. We’re playing cricket, it’s not the end of the world, so we want people to have long, successful careers for Australia, and you can’t just ask them to put their life on hold to go tour the world and forget about everything else. We’re pretty open when it comes to family,” Cummins stated.

Pat Cummins Missed Two Tests of Last Year's BGT To Be With His Month

The 31-year-old pacer has faced challenging family moments during his cricket career. He missed last year’s India tour after two Tests to be with his mother in her final days.

He has always regretted not spending enough time with his wife Becky and son Albie after Albie's birth in 2021. Cummins was forced to fly to the UAE ahead of that year’s Twenty20 World Cup just four days after Albie was born due to biosecurity restrictions.

“I’m really glad he was there for the birth because I don’t think I could’ve done it without him,” Becky said in 2021.

“However, looking back, him leaving the day after we got home from hospital was the most ridiculous, hardest thing … it was terrible timing. But I wouldn’t have had it any other way; he got to be there, of course, and you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”

Also read: IND vs AUS: Rohit Sharma drops hints on carrying Mayank Yadav for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25