How Pat Cummins set Aussie legends straight in Justin Langer affair

Pat Cummins not only addressed unfair criticism with humility, but spoke with more maturity than the Aussie greats who rebuked him.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins. Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images

There were no winners from Justin Langer’s messy divorce with Cricket Australia — it was a trainwreck that left everyone looking worse off, with one possible exception.

CA was rightfully blasted for its mistreatment of Langer. The players copped backlash for failing to voice their support for the embattled coach, while the West Australian’s former teammates have thrown accusations around like it’s the penultimate chapter of an Agatha Christie novel.

Meanwhile Langer, who has been on the road for four months, sits in a Perth hotel room completing a mandatory 14-day quarantine as the backlash unfolded in the media.

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Aussie cricket legends have jumped to his defence, questioning how a national coach can win a T20 World Cup title and Ashes series before being offered a pitiful six-month contract extension, essentially giving him no other option but to quit.

But despite coming under fire for his initial silence on the matter, Cummins rose above his critics on Wednesday, facing the media in a long-awaited press conference that didn’t disappoint.

Langer’s resignation has become the first genuine challenge for Cummins in his tenure as Test captain and for the first time in his professional career, his character has come under question.

Former teammate Mitchell Johnson called Cummins “gutless” for his refusal to comment on Langer in the days leading up to his resignation. Meanwhile, reports emerged of a divide between former and current players.

But on Wednesday, Cummins not only addressed the criticism with humility, but spoke on the issue with more maturity and clarity than any of the cricket legends who shared their two cents’ worth earlier in the week.

He was authentic and refreshingly honest. He spoke respectfully of Langer, while detailing precisely why he believed it was the right time for a changing of the guard.

Australia captain Pat Cummins speaks at a media conference in Sydney Olympic Park. Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images

Cummins emphasised that Langer’s views on coaching the team differed from the players, who believe they need less management and more influence on decision-making.

Although Langer had taken a backwards step and delegated more responsibility to his assistants after crisis talks between CA and senior players in August, Cummins acknowledged this was not a sustainable long-term model for the team.

“In terms of the coaching style and where we want to take this team, we think a slightly different style is needed,” he said.

“I think he tweaked and changed quite a bit. He deserves a lot of credit for that.

“I think the question then became, ‘Do we think that it’s sustainable?’ We thought it was the right time to make a change.”

The New South Welshman understood not everyone would agree with the decision, but he genuinely believed it was the right move for the Australian cricket team.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist tweeted on Thursday morning: “Thought @patcummins30 spoke really well yesterday.”

ESPNcricinfo’s Andrew McGlashan posted: “Reckon today was Pat Cummins’ best day as an Australian captain.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: “Pat Cummins inside 4 months as a Captain has shown exactly how to do it … Today’s press conference was a masterclass in delivering empathy with clarity to why things have happened … he just knows how to do it.”

Aussie great Greg Chappell told SEN: “He’s an impressive young man. I have no doubt we’ve got a wonderful captain and leader in Pat.

“Nobody would have been happy about what’s gone on in the last few weeks. I thought he covered things extremely well ... hopefully everyone can move on.”

I know many of you disagree, but I was impressed by Cummins' statement today. Clear, concise, punchy and with a powerful -- and surprising -- sting in the tail. Will likely be remembered as a landmark day in Australian cricket. He's a born leader.

— Andrew Faulkner (@AndrewFaulkner9) February 9, 2022

As usual, a class performance from pat #cummins today - honest, unevasive, committed to the team and respectful and grateful to JL. Adding to a superb first stint as captain. Hope i do him justice in my upcoming book Captain Pat.

— ron reed (@reedrw) February 9, 2022

So both Langer and Cummins came out of the whole saga looking and sounding dignified and statesmanlike, while a bunch of former players are shown up to look like a bunch of doofuses.

— Kevin Yam 任建峰 (@kevinkfyam) February 9, 2022

Since Cummins’ appointment as Test skipper three months ago, it hasn’t taken long for the paceman to prove he’s the right man for the job.

Not only can he juggle the on-field responsibilities of captaincy while leading the Test pace attack, but he can weather the storm when a PR disaster looms.

Although Cummins oozes charisma, he’s no soft touch. The final line of his 513-word statement issued before he fronted reporters proved he wouldn’t take a backwards step when his teammates came in the firing line.

“Many former players have reached out to me and silently offered me their advice which is welcome,” he wrote.

“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.”

And as for Johnson’s scathing critique, Cummins once again showed his class by defusing the situation before making his thoughts abundantly clear.
“I can’t believe a fast bowler’s having a go at me,” Cummins laughed.

“He’s just standing up for his mates.

“I absolutely disagree with what he said.

“He hasn’t reached out, but that’s fine. He’s entitled to his opinion, he’s standing up for his mate.

“But I can hold my head high so I’m fine.”