Pat Cummins Reflects on Personal and Professional Struggles in Leadership Journey
Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins opened up about the personal challenges he faced following his appointment as Test captain, shedding light on the emotional toll it took on both him and his wife, Becky.
In his new book, Tested, Cummins explores his journey as a leader, sharing insights from conversations with notable Australians, including former Prime Minister Julia Gillard, America’s Cup winner John Bertrand, cricket icon Dennis Lillee, and endurance athlete Nedd Brockmann.
At 31, Cummins is gearing up for his fourth summer as Australia’s Test captain, where he faces the challenge of a five-Test series against India. India’s recent successes on Australian soil add weight to this series, as they have won the past two tours. Cummins was thrust into the captaincy in 2021 after Tim Paine’s sudden resignation, only weeks before the home Ashes series, which Australia would go on to win 4-0.
Cummins’ leadership journey is detailed in Tested, where he delves into themes of resilience and growth. In one particularly candid chapter, he sits down with his wife, Becky, to revisit the emotional period surrounding the birth of their son Albie. Just days after Albie was born in 2021, Cummins had to leave for the T20 World Cup in the UAE, a decision that weighed heavily on both him and Becky.
“I had to leave Becky and our son four days after the birth. A few weeks later, I was named Test captain,” Cummins reflects in his book. Becky recalls the mixed emotions that came with her husband’s rapid transition to the captaincy. “I remember walking in on you sobbing on the floor while you were packing your bags,” she shares. “I thought, ‘Why is he so emotional? We are going to be fine.’ But when I finally arrived in Brisbane for the Ashes series, it hit me just how overwhelming it all was.”
Becky’s reaction to Cummins’ captaincy reveals a raw perspective on the sacrifices made by partners of athletes. “It was an amazing thing to happen, and so deserved, but it also felt like my world had just crumbled,” she admits in Tested.
“This baby was supposed to be the most important thing in our life, and I all I wanted was for us to be together to enjoy him. [But] your new role was all anybody was talking about. I was so proud but also felt a bit hollow.”
In a candid admission, Becky recalls the decision she made to return home with Albie. “I will never forget the moment I realised that I just had to go home and do it alone,” she writes. “He couldn’t be captain and a young father in that moment, and I felt the best thing to do was let him captain.”
As Cummins embarks on another season as captain, his reflections in Tested provide a rare glimpse into the balance between public achievement and private sacrifice. Through his honesty, he aims to share not only the pressures of leadership but also the personal costs that often go unseen.
