Pat Cummins Reflects on Support from Julia Gillard During Controversial Period in His Career

Australian Test cricket captain Pat Cummins has opened up about the surprising source of support he received during one of the most challenging phases of his career, when he faced intense criticism from fans and former players. The backlash came in 2022 following the departure of coach Justin Langer, which some attributed to player discontent.

Langer, who had led the team since May 2018, oversaw significant victories, including the 2021-22 Ashes series. However, after rejecting a six-month contract without an extension, he stepped away from the team, leading to allegations that player unrest played a role in his exit. As captain, Cummins bore the brunt of the criticism, with former players like Mitchell Johnson branding him "gutless" and both Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist voicing their disapproval over how Langer was treated.

In his new book, Tested, Cummins reflects on how the situation placed him "right in the firing line." He felt a strong responsibility to remain respectful and transparent during the upheaval. "I was never going to get caught up in the public firefight," he noted.

Amidst the criticism, Cummins revealed an unexpected ally: former Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He dedicated a chapter in his book to her, recounting how she handled a barrage of personal attacks during her time in office. "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," he wrote, paralleling his experiences with the media frenzy surrounding Langer's departure.

Cummins noted how the media hype could distort the reality of situations, saying, "When the big things in the media end up being incorrect, you become desensitized to the hyperbole." He emphasized that his primary responsibility was to Australian cricket, rather than responding to the critiques from former players.

Throughout his career, Cummins has faced scrutiny on various fronts, from the Langer saga to his outspoken views on climate change and the team's support for Black Lives Matter. In 2022, he acknowledged the inevitable nature of criticism in his role. "In this position, you're always going to upset people no matter whether you do or don't do something," he remarked. "But I also think we are cricket players... you can't leave your values at the door."

Cummins also praised the Test squad for how they managed the transition after Langer's departure, particularly in light of Langer's remarks about "cowards" on a podcast. He later clarified that his comments were not aimed at the players. Cummins firmly stated, "There's no cowards in the Australian cricket team, not ever," expressing gratitude for Langer's subsequent clarification.

Reflecting on the past year, Cummins expressed pride in how the team conducted themselves, stating, "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."