'I’ve been in this job two years now, you’ve got to have a thick skin' - Pat Cummins opens up on his role as captain amidst criticism

Australia skipper Pat Cummins remains unfazed with doubts over his captaincy in the ongoing Ashes 2023. The visiting team started the tour really well, winning the World Test Championship final against India and then the two matches against England but since then, Australia have failed to remain consistent. Hence, being the leader of the pack, the criticism was directed towards Pat Cummins as many questioned his leadership skill.

Speaking about the same, Cummins stated that he hasn’t read anything that has been said over the past week after Australia were on the verge of losing the fourth Test in Manchester. The cricketer also added saying that he has developed a thick skin over the years and hence, nothing really affects him anymore. 

“I honestly haven’t read anything. A few things have come across my desk from the boys having a laugh. I’ve been in this job two years now, and you learn pretty quickly that you’ve got to have a thick skin.

“It’s such a great bunch of players and staff here that we all know what everyone is about and how we are going to go about it, and for me, that’s more important than anything else. I’m not going to please everyone and everyone’s got opinions, but they aren’t facts, they’re opinions,” Sydney Morning Herald quoted Cummins as saying. 

I’m getting better and I think there’s a fair bit more left in me: Cummins

Despite the criticism, Cummins believes that he still has the ability to lead the national team. However, the cricketer clarified that it does have a shelf life and will relinquish his position one day but hasn’t decided a time yet.

“I think it does have a shelf life. I won’t put a date on it, I’ve got to get there first. I feel like every Test match I learn quite a bit, you just get exposed to more things with each game. I’m loving working with this team and the staff. Enjoying it at the moment, we’ll see what the future holds. I feel like with each game I’m getting better and I think there’s a fair bit more left in me,” Cummins said.