Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins has opened up on the entire saga after Justin Langer stepped down as the head coach of the national team. Of late, Cummins has faced a lot of criticism from former cricketers, including the likes of Adam Gilchrist, Mitchell Johnson and Ricky Ponting for not lending Langer enough support.
Johnson, in a column, was also clear cut in saying that Cummins could have shown more respect towards Langer and back him to the best of his abilities. Recently, through a statement released by Cricket Australia (CA), Cummins stated that he’s sticking up for his teammates and prefers following the footsteps of past cricketers.
Pat Cummins puts forth his views
“Justin has acknowledged that his style was intense. And it was. He has apologised to players and staff for his intensity. I think the apology was unnecessary. Because the players were ok with JL’s intensity. It came from a good place – his fierce love of Australia and the baggy green – something which has served Australian cricket well for three decades,” Cummins wrote.
Back in November, under Langer’s tutelage, Australia won the T20 World Cup 2021 held in Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aaron Finch and Co. defeated Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the final. Thereafter, the Aussies won the Ashes at home 4-0 after triumphs in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart.
Cummins lauded CA for taking the brave call despite Langer performing brilliantly at the helm over the last few months. Cummins, who took over from Tim Paine as Australia’s Test skipper back in December, said that the players didn’t have any problems with Langer’s approach as the coach.
Langer took charge as the Aussie head coach back in May 2018 after Australian cricket was reeling from the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal. Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were handed bans by CA. The head coach Darren Lehmann also stepped down soon after.
From there on, it was all up to Langer and Paine to mitigate the damage and help Australia regain their pride. Australia are all set for their tour of Pakistan and Andrew McDonald has been appointed as their interim coach for the series.
