Test captain Pat Cummins made clear on Tuesday that there have been “no cowards” on the Australian crew, firing again at feedback made by former coach Justin Langer.
Langer final week attacked the nameless “cowards” who leaked towards him within the lead-up to his resignation this yr after widespread reviews within the Australian media, citing sources, about his intense teaching model.
Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley rejected Langer’s claims and threw his assist behind the enjoying group, with Cummins additionally strongly defending his dressing room.
“There are no cowards in an Australian cricket team, not ever,” Cummins advised reporters in Perth forward of the primary Test towards the West Indies on Wednesday, including that he was “disappointed” Langer had dredged up the problem.
“I think it’s disappointing sometimes the focus gets drawn to off-field issues, but it hasn’t affected our team.”
Langer has since backtracked considerably, claiming he was not referring to gamers when he used the phrase “cowards”, a transfer Cummins mentioned he appreciated.
“I think he had a think about it and clarified it, so I thank him for that,” mentioned the skipper at Perth Stadium, which carries Langer’s title on one of many stands.
“But we’re really proud of the last 12 months, how we’ve fronted up, the way we’ve played, the way we’ve conducted ourselves. Players can certainly hold their heads high.”
Langer walked away from his job in February after failing to safe the general public assist of key gamers and following acrimonious contract talks with Cricket Australia.
He was sad at being provided solely a six-month extension regardless of steering Australia to a 4-0 Ashes victory over England in 2021 after which to Twenty20 World Cup glory the identical yr.
Catching up
In an explosive podcast final week, he claimed: “Everyone was being nice to my face, but I was reading about this stuff, and half of it … I could not believe that is what was making the papers.
“A lot of journalists use the word ‘source’. I would say, change that word to ‘coward’. A coward says, not a source.”
Langer is because of commentate on the two-match West Indies collection, and Cummins insisted there was no “ill-will” and was eager to meet up with him.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him. He’ll be in and around here commentating, so it’ll be good.”
No modifications
Cummins revealed Australia’s line-up for the primary Test could be as broadly anticipated, with tempo bowler Scott Boland and opener Marcus Harris omitted on what is predicted to be a quick, bouncy floor.
Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will lead the assault, together with the spin of Nathan Lyon, with no modifications to the highest seven.
“You probably could have picked it 12 months ago,” mentioned Cummins.
“Everyone has done well to get them fit and firing for this series, and we’re in a really good place. Easy decision.”
Top-ranked Australia is the new favorite, with the West Indies with out a win on Australian soil for 25 years.