- Pat Cummins and wife Becky are expecting a birth in February
- The loss of his mother last year changed his outlook on life
Pat Cummins has revealed why he made the big decision to spend more time at home after his second child was born – even if it means missing playing Test cricket for Australia.
The Australian Test skipper is expecting his second child with wife Becky in January or early February, around the time the Aussies are scheduled to play two Tests against Sri Lanka.
Cummins says he regrets not spending more time with his wife when his son Albie was born in 2021, so he’s making sure things will be different this time.
‘I missed a big part [of son Albie’s early days] last time and I want to figure out how we can spend a little more time at home this time during the first period,” Cummins told the newspaper. Sydney Morning Herald.
“No one, within reason, would ever blink an eye when someone has to put their family first.
‘We play cricket, it’s not the end of the world, so we want people to have long, successful careers for Australia, and you can’t just ask them to put their lives on hold to travel the world and do everything to forget. everything else. We’re pretty open when it comes to family.”
Cummins revealed earlier this year how the loss of his mother Maria in 2023 fundamentally changed the way he sees the world.
“Everything I do now, I have a moment of pause and I say, ‘This is going to take me away from my family. Is it something I really want to do?’ And if it’s a yes, then you’re all in,” he said Stellar magazine.
Pat Cummins regrets not spending more time at home after the birth of his first child Albie (pictured with Cummins and wife Becky)
The superstar fast bowler will take time away from Test cricket if necessary when their second baby arrives in January or February
‘I notice that I am more conscious of what I spend my time, effort and energy on. You just have to do that as a parent. And I think that’s a good thing.”
Earlier this year, Pat revealed he was never mentally present for last year’s Test tour of India, describing it as the “hardest time of his life” as he struggled with the loss of his mother’s health.
The challenging episode has encouraged him to take a more holistic approach to leadership, encouraging players to live full lives on tour.
Cummins traveled to India in February 2023 and stayed for just two tests before rushing home to be by his mother Maria’s side as she received palliative care.
He only returned to team duty after she died in May.
Becky (pictured with Albie) and Cummins revealed they are expecting a second child in August
The Australian skipper (pictured with Becky and Albie during the 2023 Ashes series) says losing his mother in 2023 has changed his outlook on life
Cummins and Becky first revealed they were expecting their second child in August, breaking the news on Instagram, writing: ‘Incredibly happy to finally have our [baby emoji] news!
“We’re so excited to meet you, honey, and add some more craziness to our lives.”
The post was accompanied by photos of Becky showing off her baby bump with Albie, who she cradles in one image as he places a hand on her stomach.
Cummins’ teammate Mitch Marsh was among the first to congratulate the couple on the heartwarming announcement, as were cricketer Travis Head’s wife Jessica, Aaron Finch’s wife Amy, Usman Khawaja’s wife Rachel and Becky’s sister Kara.