Pat Cummins’ bewildering response to Langer question says everything

Pat Cummins was twice given a chance to support his embattled coach in an extraordinary press conference that has poured fuel on the fire.

Pat Cummins launches Cricket for Climate. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles.

Pat Cummins has repeatedly side-stepped offering support for embattled coach Justin Langer during an extraordinary press conference on Thursday.

One day after Cricket Australia was accused of hanging Langer out to dry while his messy contract negotiation plays out in public, the Australian test captain’s latest move says everything.

Australia won its maiden T20 World Cup title in November before retaining the Ashes with a comprehensive 4-0 series victory over England — but Langer’s tenure and contract renegotiation has been on shaky ground following a widely reported player-led backlash surrounding Langer’s famously demanding leadership style.

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Langer’s four-year coaching contract expires in June, and there is mounting speculation as to whether the 51-year-old will be granted another multi-year deal.

The situation took another turn on Thursday with Cummins playing a straight bat to simple questions asking him if he wants Langer’s to remain in charge.

Pat Cummins speaks to press. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

“It’s in Cricket Australia’s hands,” he said. “JLs been doing a fantastic job, he’s been there for four years, his contract is obviously up soon, they’re just going through an evaluation process at the moment, which I think is fair, the right thing to do. We all get evaluated all the time as cricketers. It’s part of a high-performance environment.

“That process is happening, it’s a decision for Cricket Australia and we just have to wait.”

Cummins said the speculation was “not healthy” and he didn’t want to add to it by giving a public opinion that could hold little weight.

“That’s Cricket Australia’s job, it’s not my job,” he said.

“There’s been a process, I’ve been part of that, a lot of other players have been part of that. It’s just like when we get evaluated.

“I’ve got huge respect for JL, I’ve really liked working with him, but it’s not my call.”

On Monday, foxsports.com.au reported that Langer reacted angrily when the possibility of him reapplying for the coaching role was raised by CA chief executive Nick Hockley and high performance manager Ben Oliver during a “heated” meeting last Friday morning.

According to the report, Langer is refusing to accept anything less than a full contract renewal, arguing his record warrants another multi-year deal.

But CA returned serve on Tuesday morning, declaring there were a “number of inaccuracies” in the reporting of the meeting between Langer, Hockley and Oliver.

“While we do not comment on confidential conversations, we felt on this occasion it was important to correct the record,” a CA statement said.

“Among other false claims, we reject outright the assertion that the meeting was fiery or heated and that Justin was asked to reapply for his job.

“Justin has always been contracted as head coach through to the middle of this year and we have consistently maintained that discussions around the future of the role would commence following the conclusion of the men’s Ashes series.

“Friday’s meeting was the first time that we had the opportunity to meet together in person, reflect on the team’s success and discuss the road ahead.

“We will continue with this process and make an announcement once it is complete.”

Justin Langer with the Australian team. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

The CA board is reportedly still uncertain over Langer’s reappointment, despite Oliver claiming a decision on the West Australian’s future would be made after the Ashes series, which concluded more than two weeks ago.

Speaking on Fox Cricket’s The Follow-On podcast, News Corp reporter Robert Craddock suggested Langer had been “hung out to dry” by CA’s indecision.

“I felt it was offensive and poor,” he said.

“Think of the choreography around that day. Three hours after the meeting, Cricket Australia released a statement inducting Langer into the Hall of Fame.

“On a day you’re admitting a guy into the Hall of Fame, you’re mentioning the prospect of him reapplying?

“Langer’s got his shortfalls, and his volatility is on display at this meeting.

“But to be asked to reapply? Nup, I didn’t rate that at all. You either hire him or you fire him ... you don’t say, ‘Hey, show us your credentials’.

“I don’t like the way he’s been hung out to dry. This should have been sorted the day after the last day of the Ashes. Just get it done with.

“This should have been addressed long before now; don’t like it at all.”

Langer was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame last week, but a previous breakdown in relationships with senior players is still hanging over his head.

A crisis meeting between CA chiefs and senior players last year was needed to address the issues between players and coach, sparking suggestions Langer was in danger of not having his contract renewed.

The former Australian Test opener has since taken a step back and delegated more responsibility to his support staff, which has seemingly helped improve the team’s performance.

Several high-profile former cricketers have jumped to Langer’s defence, including long-time friend and West Australian teammate Damien Martyn.

With NCA NewsWire