Skipper happy to cop criticism

FEBRUARY represented one of Pat Cummins’ toughest months in cricket.

Widely seen as the golden boy of Australian cricket for his exploits on the field and his demeanour off it, Cummins’ appointment to the captaincy after the Tim Paine scandal was met with plenty of praise.

He proceeded to take the most wickets in the Ashes, despite missing the second test, and would have been on top of the world after retaining the coveted trophy in a four-one series triumph.

However, Justin Langer’s resignation earlier this month brought about previously unseen criticism of Cummins and his role in the coach’s exit, the 28-year-old needing to go on the defensive for the first time in his career.

He was credited with a strong press conference in the wake of Langer’s exit, and Cummins said he tried not to let the criticism get to him.

“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,” he told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“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.”

The criticism of Cummins and teammates revolved around the belief that Langer’s exit was player-driven, something no party is yet to fully deny.

The former opener’s resignation letter acknowledged he loved his job, and his success in recent months should have guaranteed a contract extension greater than the six-month deal he was offered.

Shane Warne blamed the “NSW mafia” behind forcing Langer out, however Cummins refuted suggestions the players were the sole reason.

“Certainly our feedback was heard, as I think it should be,” he said.

“But to say that we are decision-makers is quite far from the truth. It’s a high-performance setup, 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.”

Andrew McDonald has taken over in the interim role and has earned praise from Aaron Finch and Scott Boland for his impacts on the group.

Cummins added his appraisal to that of his teammates’ and cleared up the murky situation surrounding the timeline of appointing the new coach.

“I think he’s certainly capable [to be the full-time coach], for sure,” he said.

“[It’s] certainly not my decision, I think they’ll run a process probably after this series, so we’ll see how he goes.

“But he’s been fantastic, he’s widely respected and experienced, so if he puts his hand up I’m sure they’ll take a close look at him.”

Cummins and McDonald will lead Australia on a historic tour of Pakistan next month, the first time Australia has toured the Asian nation since 1998.

– BY SEB MOTTRAM/ SEN