‘Far from the truth’ – Pat Cummins denies allegations of players’ role in Justin Langer’s exit

Justin Langer’s exit as Australia’s head coach last month didn’t go down well with several members of the cricket fraternity, who wanted the former opener to continue in the role. Even Test skipper Pat Cummins also came under the scanner as he didn’t endorse Langer’s contract extension publicly. Notably, many prominent figures in Australian cricket, mostly Langer’s former teammate, had claimed that players had a role in the southpaw’s departure.

However, Cummins has denied those allegations, explaining none of the players had the authority to take such major decisions. The top-ranked Test bowler also asserted that his priority is to do what’s best for Australian cricket. While he did admit players gave their feedback, he denied any player’s involvement in the decision-making.

I felt for Justin Langer as much as anyone else: Pat Cummins

“It was okay, I felt for Justin as much as anyone else, but I knew when I became captain I was going to cop it for different things. If anything, it kind of reminded me I’ve got to look after the team and do what’s best for Australian cricket. All the noise and things that might come with it come from a good place, but I can’t let it affect me too much,” he told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Certainly our feedback was heard, as I think it should be. But to say that we are decision-makers is quite far from the truth. It’s a high-performance set-up, there’s the board that makes decisions, so of course, people within the environment get consulted, that includes senior players, staff members, which I think has always been the case. I think that’s the right way to do things, it’s healthy. Nothing untoward, for sure,” he added.

Meanwhile, former all-rounder Andrew McDonald is Australia’s interim head coach for the time being and he’ll serve the team in the upcoming historic tour of Pakistan. Speaking of his appointment, Cummins didn’t mind saying the 40-year-old is good enough for the full-time role.

“I think he’s certainly capable (of being full-time coach). (It’s) certainly not my decision, I think they’ll run a process probably after this series, so we’ll see how he goes,” he added.