‘It wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t see him on this tour again’ – Jason Gillespie wants Pat Cummins to stay back in Australia to spend time with his ill mother

India is currently playing host to Australia in a four-match Test series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India are almost unbeatable at home and everyone knew it was going to be a tough challenge for the Australian team. They have already dominated in the first two Tests of the series and it is not going to be easier for the visitors going forward.

When Australia suffered a severe loss in the second Test, Cummins departed India to visit his ailing mother, who is presently receiving palliative care in Sydney. The 29-year-old informed the Australian Team coach Andrew McDonald last week that he preferred to remain in Sydney and skip the third Test, which is scheduled to begin in Indore on March 1. 

What did Gillespie say about Pat Cummins and his decision?

Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie spoke to ABC Sport about the current situation of the Australian Team captain Pat Cummins. He said, “It wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t see him on this tour [again].”

Gillespie then spoke about how it is important for him to spend time with his family. He said, “With all due respect, the series is gone, we can’t win the series, there’s a series coming up this year … moving forward, it might just be a really good opportunity for Pat Cummins to spend important time, precious time, with close family and friends.” 

The former Australian bowler then spoke in defence of the decision taken by Cummins to miss the Third Test. He concluded by saying, “What’s more important, spending time with your close family and friends and particularly your mum who’s gravely ill, or the fourth Test of a series that you’ve already lost? He’s already missing the third Test, for me it’s an absolute no-brainer. It wouldn’t surprise me if behind the scenes they’ve already said to Pat, we don’t need you here in India for this Test series. Be a son. Be a brother, just be around your family. Family is the number one thing.”