Pat Cummins reveals admiration for Julia Gillard after facing ‘low level’ attacks in Justin Langer saga

In his new book Tested, Pat Cummins gives a revealing insight into his mentality, highlighting his admiration for a former PM that battled “ridiculous commentary” while in the top job.

Pat Cummins says he felt an affinity with Julia Gillard following the “public firefight” that engulfed him when Justin Langer was axed as Australian coach.

In the Test captain’s new book Tested, perhaps the most revealing insight into his mentality as Australian captain comes during a chapter in which he interviews former Prime Minister Gillard about how she handled relentless “personal attacks made against her” during her time in office.

Cummins admired Gillard’s ability to stay calm and reflects on the similar strategy he used to de-escalate what he describes as “ridiculous commentary” and “name-calling” directed at him from ex-players in the media after Langer was controversially moved on in early 2022.

It’s a telling passage that goes a long way to explaining the origins of the frosty relationship that still exists between members of the current team and former greats, spotlighted by provocative comments made recently by Australian spinner Adam Zampa.

Pat Cummins and Justin Langer in 2022. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Cummins says, like Gillard, he had to deal with below-the-belt attacks in the media, including some from Langer’s former teammates who are now cricket commentators.

“When Justin’s contract wasn’t renewed, it put me right in the firing line,” Cummins writes in Tested, a new book released this week by Harper Collins.

“During the process I felt a real responsibility to be respectful of the process, and also to be open, transparent and honest, but always through the right avenues.

“I was never going to get caught up in the public firefight.

“Like for Julia, a lot of the conversation was brought down to a low level – which had nothing to do with what was right or wrong for the team – and was distracted by ridiculous commentary and name-calling.

“Things snowballed in the media but what I find funny is that when the big things in the media end up being incorrect you become desensitised to the hyperbole.

“I got through it by remembering that my job is to look after Australian cricket, not the ex-players.”

Cummins says he felt an affinity with Julia Gillard. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The book features a series of interviews Cummins has conducted with notable leaders across various industries and walks of life.

In the chapter documenting his conversation with Gillard, Cummins signs off with this telling line: “I hope once my time is done, I will be able to take a step back and let the next generation take over just like Julia has.”

In a press conference he gave in the wake of Langer’s removal, Cummins had a message for Langer’s former teammates who spoke out against him and the team for their role in the coach’s exit.

“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,” Cummins said.

According to Cummins, both at the time and in his new book Tested, the dressing room felt it was time for a change of direction and via Cummins relayed this message to CA’s decision-makers.

Cummins came under attack after Langer’s departure. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Langer’s demise was two-and-a-half years ago but the current team still has its back up about perceived criticism from ex-players.

Zampa did not hold back before the summer when he lined up former players for being “f---wits” in the context of not being “thoughtful” in their assessments.

“The way that I see it is, when ex-players come out, it’s almost like they’re talking about it on a big WhatsApp group or something, like ‘Let’s all back each other up and say the same s--t,” Zampa said on the Final Word podcast.

“There was a bit of time there where people were going really hard for us and for an Australian cricketer looking forward to what I think I’m going to be like when I’m done … I’m like, ‘What are they doing?’

“Just be thoughtful and actually try and help, and understand what it’s like to be a professional cricketer … you f---ing did it already, so why are you being such a f---wit about it?’”

Originally published as Pat Cummins reveals admiration for Julia Gillard after facing ‘low level’ attacks in Justin Langer saga