Cricket News

‘No cowards in an Australian cricket team’ – Pat Cummins hits back at Justin Langer’s ‘coward’ comments

The first Test between Australia and the West Indies, which begins on Wednesday, has been overshadowed by Justin Langer‘s recent candid interview on the Back Chat podcast, in which he attacked anonymous “cowards” who he claimed leaked against him and claimed some players were not forthcoming with their feedback.

Test captain Pat Cummins has responded to former coach Justin Langer’s claim that leaks harmed him, saying the Australian team has “no cowards”. Cummins defended his dressing room in public for the first time, as the Australian Test summer begins in Langer’s hometown of Perth.

“There’s no cowards in an Australian cricket team, not ever,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “I’d probably never disclose private conversations. I think it’s disappointing sometimes the focus gets drawn to off-field issues but it hasn’t really affected our team.”

Langer has since attempted to clarify his comments, saying that the players were “like my younger brothers,” which could be interpreted as a sign of reconciliation.

It’ll be good: Pat Cummins on seeing Justin Langer

“I think there’s no ill will to what he was trying to do and he clarified afterwards. I think he had a think about it and clarified it, so thank him for that. 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,” Cummins said at the Optus Stadium.

Cummins said he was “looking forward” to seeing Langer, who will be part of host broadcaster Seven’s commentary team this summer, and that he didn’t expect a hostile reception from the community. “He’ll be in and around here commentating so it’ll be good. We love playing here at the stadium. My idol mentor, DK Lillee as well, it’s his home state,” he added.

There were no surprises when Cummins announced Australia’s expected line-up to face the West Indies, which omitted quick Scott Boland and opener Marcus Harris. Cameron Green will make his hometown debut in the first Test match played in Perth since December 2019.