Australia Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins thanked England’s Barmy Army for their heartfelt tribute to his severely ill mother, who has entered palliative care. Cummins left the ongoing India tour after the second Test and has been with his family since then.

“I have decided against returning to India at this time as my mother is ill and in palliative care. I feel I am best being here with my family,” Cummins said. “I appreciate the overwhelming support I have received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for your understanding,” said Cummins.

Meanwhile, England’s Supporters’ Group ‘The Barmy Army’ on Saturday posted a heartwarming video where a rendition of the song, ‘ Maria’ from the movie, West Side Story. This was done in support of Cummins’ mother whose name is also Maria.

Responding to the Barmy Army video, Cummins wrote on Twitter,” This is amazing @TheBarmyArmy, thankyou. Mum loved watching this and felt very touched.”  

This means that Steve Smith will captain Australia in the upcoming third Test which will be played in Holkar Stadium, Indore on March 1. Smith was captain for 34 Tests between 2014 and 2018, including Australia’s most recent Test tour of India in 2017, in which he has scored three centuries.