Pat Cummins to step down as Australia captain after Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australian captain Pat Cummins has hinted that he may skip the Test series in Sri Lanka, which is their last series in the World Test Championship 2023-25. Pat Cummins revealed that the recent death of his mother is behind his decision and expressed a 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 around that time. This means one of Steve Smith or Travis Head may step in as captain for the tour in his absence.

That’s Been a Slight Shift in the Way I’ve Approached Playing - Pat Cummins

Ahead of the fifth Test at the SCG, Pat Cummins shared how the death of his mother, Maria, in 2023 shifted his life priorities. He said that it made him focus more on what truly matters, such as family and finding joy in life.

“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," he told the Daily Telegraph at the launch of the Pink Test.

Cummins made the difficult decision to leave the India tour in 2023 after just two Tests to be with his mother, Maria, as she received palliative care. The right-arm fast bowler did not return to playing until after her passing in May.

I Try and Remind Myself of That Every Time - Pat Cummins

Reflecting on his approach to cricket, Pat Cummins highlighted that his parents' advice to "enjoy it" has stayed with him throughout his career. Pat said that 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 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 Leading Australia in Five-Match Test Series Against India

Cummins is currently leading Australia in the five-match Test series against India. Australia is currently 2-1 after four Test matches. The home team wants to win the final game, set 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 Australia skipper is the leading 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 an 184-run victory in Melbourne.

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