Australia’s Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green were seen batting in black armbands on the second day of the Ahmedabad Test against India. Australian captain Pat Cummins’ mother Maria has passed away. That is why they wore black bands.

Maria had been ill for a long time. Cummins returned home after the second Test to be with his mother. He could not play the third test. He could not come to India even before the Ahmedabad Test. Steve Smith replaces Cummins at the helm. Cummins’ mother died on Thursday night. The Australian captain was by his side at that time in Sydney.

Maria was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She had been physically disabled for the last few weeks. Cricket Australia said, “We are saddened by the passing of Maria Cummins. On behalf of Cricket Australia, our condolences go out to Cummins and his family. The Australian team will wear black armbands for this reason.”

Cummins returned home after the second Test but was expected to return before the third Test. But it was not possible. Before leaving India, Cummins said, “My mother is in palliative care. Due to her illness, it is not possible for me to go to India now. I think it is important to be with family now. Grateful for the support I received from Cricket Australia and my teammates. Thanks for understanding my situation.”

Cummins could not play the last two Tests. He is in the one-day series team. The series will start on March 17. It is not yet known whether Cummins will return to India before then. While his mother was ill, it was thought that he would not be able to play in the white ball series either.