Australian bowler Pat Cummins reaches for the ball on the second day of the fourth Test cricket match between South Africa and Australia won by South Africa at Wanderers cricket ground on March 31, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. / AFP PHOTO / GIANLUIGI GUERCIA (Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)
Maria Cummins, the mother of Australian Test captain Pat, has passed away following her battle with a serious illness, with the Australian side to wear black armbands during the fourth Test in India in her honour.
Known to be a great supporter to Pat, Maria passed away on Friday after being in palliative care, with her son by her side in her final days.
Pat Cummins returned to Australia to be home with his mother during the second half of the Australian cricket team's tour of India.
"We are deeply saddened at the passing of Maria Cummins overnight," A Cricket Australi statement read.
"On behalf of Australian Cricket, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Pat, the Cummins family and their friends.
"The Australian Men's team will today wear black armbands as a mark of respect."
Australian vice-captain Steve Smith has stepped into the captaincy role in Cummins' absence.