Australian captain Pat Cummins has admitted he “may struggle” to get over to Sri Lanka for his side’s tour of the sub-continent later this month as he prepares for the birth of his second child.
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Fresh off defeating India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the SCG, the superstar seamer told media on Sunday afternoon that his country are likely to play the two-Test series starting on January 29 without him.
“In terms of Sri Lanka, we’ll wait and see. Becky’s hanging on at the moment, so we’ll play it by ear. But most likely, I might struggle to get over there,” Cummins said.
“They (the partners) do sacrifice a lot … so sharing moments like today with them make sit extra special.”
Former Australian captain Steve Smith looks set to take the reins in Cummins’ absence, having previously led the country on 38 occasions.
Cummins has previously toured Sri Lanka once back in 2022.
Having now captained Australia for more than four years, the 31-year-old has played a massive role in retaining and winning back every single bilateral trophy that Australia takes part in; not to mention the ICC World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.
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With the T20 World Cup the only trophy in world cricket Australia doesn’t hold the winning rights to, Cummins has achieved an incredible amount since the back end of 2021 as Australia continues to blood new players and leaders.
“You always talk about it (a succession plan). We’ve obviously got two vice-captains in the team, we’ve had three debutants this series. You’re always balancing between the here and now … they’re conversations that we always have,” Cummins continued.
“Once this Test match finishes, going back to being a full-time Dad and husband (and do) an even bette enjoy than being a Test captain. I love it and feel really lucky.”
The series in Sri Lanka will act as Australia’s last chance to prepare for their World Test Championship Final against South Africa, locking in their second straight appearance with their six-wicket win in Sydney over India.
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Cummins was exceptional once again on all fronts this summer, with crucial input mainly with the ball, but also batting, in the field and with his leadership.
He finished the five-match series with 25 wickets at an average of 21.36, as well as 159 runs at an average just below 20; more runs than Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill combined in the three Tests the Indian duo played.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR OF SRI LANKA
1st Test: January 29 – February 2, Galle
2nd Test: February 6 – 10, Galle
Only ODI (D/N): February 13, TBC
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