Australia’s Pat Cummins celebrates during a match against England in the 2019 Ashes, in London. File photograph: Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Australia’s Pat Cummins celebrates during a match against England in the 2019 Ashes, in London. File photograph: Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

Australia test captain Pat Cummins has broken his silence on the Justin Langer saga as he stated that the team required a new coaching style to keep evolving with the game. However, he thanked Justin Langer for his contribution but he didn’t deny the argument that the players were not happy with Langer’s ‘intense’ coaching style.

Justin Langer’s contract as Australia’s head coach was set to expire in June but after a lengthy meeting with Cricket Australia, he decided to resign from his role with immediate effect. Cricket Australia offered him a short-term extension which he denied so both parties decided to part ways.

Pat Cummins Credit: AAP
Pat Cummins Credit: AAP

“We need a new style of coaching and skill set”- Pat Cummins

The former Australian players slammed Pat Cummins for his lack of support for the head coach in his media interactions. Adam Gilchrist called it a pathetic day for Australian cricket. Shane Warne and Matthew Hayden expressed similar opinions. Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson called Cummins as gutless captain.

“Many former players have reached out to me and silently offered me their advice, which is welcome. Some others have spoken in the media – which is also welcome and comes from a love of the game and their support of a mate. To all past players, I want to say this: Just as you have always stuck up for your mates, I’m sticking up for mine,” Pat Cummins released a statement on Wednesday.

“There has been much public comment since Justin Langer’s resignation as coach of the Australian cricket team. For good reason, I have not made a public comment before today. Now that a decision has been made by Justin to resign and given his own public comments and others by Cricket Australia, I can provide some clarity,” he added further.

Justin Langer
Justin Langer

Cummins stated that Langer acknowledged that he showed too much intensity to the players and he opined that the team needs a new style of coaching and skill set. Cummins was appointed as test captain only ahead of the Ashes as Tim Paine was sidelined due to the sexting scandal.

“Justin has acknowledged his style was intense, he has apologized to players and staff for his intensity and I think the apology was unnecessary because the players were okay with JL’s intensity. His intensity was not the issue for the players and support staff. To be better players of Australia, from this solid foundation, we need a new style of coaching and skill set,” Cummins stated.

“This was the feedback the players gave to Cricket Australia and it is the feedback I understand the support staff also gave. CA has made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning. I take this responsibility seriously. I live and breathe it. We also have a duty to our mates,” he concluded.

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