Launceston, City in Tasmania, Australia

Perth, Nov 29 Breaking his silence on former coach Justin Langer's claim that he was undermined by leaks, Australian Test captain Pat Cummins on Tuesday defended his side saying there are 'no cowards' in the dressing room.The first Test between Australia and West Indies starting on Wednesday has been overshadowed by Langer's recent candid interview on the Back Chat podcast, where he attacked anonymous "cowards" who were not transparent about the feedback leading up to his messy exit earlier this year despite a successful Ashes campaign and the 2021 T20 World Cup victory.Addressing the issue publicly for the first time, the Australian skipper strongly defended his dressing room and said it was 'disappointing' to see that so much focus was given on off-field issues instead of the actual cricket."There's no cowards in an Australian cricket team, not ever. I'd probably never disclose private conversations. I think it's disappointing sometimes the focus gets drawn to off-field issues but it hasn't really affected our team," Cummins told reporters on the eve of the first Test.In perhaps a sign of detente, Langer attempted to clarify his comments later and said that the current players were like "younger brothers" to him."I think there's no ill will to what he was trying to do and he clarified afterwards," Cummins said at Optus Stadium with the 'Justin Langer Stand' in the backdrop."I think he had a think about it and clarified it, so thank him for that. But we're really proud of the last 12 months, how we've fronted up, the way we've played, the way we've conducted ourselves. Players can certainly hold their heads high," he added.Cummins said he was "looking forward" to seeing Langer, who will be part of host broadcaster Seven's commentary team this summer, and wasn't expecting a frosty reception from parochial locals.The 29-old pacer further mentioned that there was no bad blood between the two and said he was "looking forward" to seeing Langer, a local hero in Perth. The former Australian cricketer will be part of host broadcaster Seven's commentary team this summer."He'll be in and around here commentating so it'll be good. We love playing here at the stadium. My idol mentor, DK Lillee as well, it's his home state," Cummins said.Asked if the Australia team was out of favour in Western Australia, the skipper said," We haven't felt that at all. I know there's been some conjecture but I think it camouflages over a lot of the good stuff that's been going on and the support we've been receiving."Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

LauncestonFOLLOW

Launceston, Latest News

South African batter Faf Du Plessis has signed with Perth Scorchers as a replacement international player for the upcoming ... ...

Tata AIA Life Insurance (Tata AIA), a leading Life Insurer in India has enhanced its bouquet of life insurance solutions with the launch of a unique wellness program - Tata AIA Vitality - available through its rider packages, Vitality Protect & Vital ...

Melbourne, Nov 30 Three Indian-origin women among 60 scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematic have been selected as Australia's ... ...

Perth, Nov 30 Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa has supported the gesture of Test and ODI skipper Pat Cummins ... ...

Canberra, Nov 30 Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was on Wednesday officially censured by Parliament for secretly ... ...

Australia test captain Pat Cummins has assured that there is a positive synergy in the team, which is totally ... ...

The Indian men's hockey team led by Harmanpreet Singh will take on World No.1 Australia in the third test ... ...

Perth, Nov 29 Breaking his silence on former coach Justin Langer's claim that he was undermined by leaks, ... ...