I Absolutely Disagree With Mitchell Johnson: Pat Cummins Responds To Former Player's "Gutless" Remark

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins responded to former teammate Mitchell Johnson’s criticism over Justin Langer’s resignation as Australia head coach.

On February 5, Langer tendered his resignation even though his term was supposed to end in June. Langer and Cricket Australia could not come to an agreement over the former’s contract renewal.

Cricket Australia offered him a short-term contract, which he refused to accept as he was expecting something big.

Mitchell Johnson is entitled to his opinion: Pat Cummins

Many of Langer’s former teammates have lashed out at the board and players, especially Cummins has been deemed as the reason behind the whole decision.

Writing in one of his columns for The West Australian, former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson said Cummins failed in his opportunity to endorse Langer for a contract extension and called him gutless for his approach towards the coach.

Responding to Johnson’s scathing remark, Cummins said that the former player is entitled to his opinion. The Australian Test captain also distinctly said that he will stand for his teammates just like the former players are doing for Langer.

“I absolutely disagree with what he (Mitchell Johnson) says. He hasn’t reached out and he’s entitled to his opinion. He’s standing up for his mate. I can hold my head high so I’m fine.

“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,” Cummins said in a press conference.

I have huge respect for Justin Langer: Pat Cummins

Langer was appointed as the head coach of Australia after the infamous ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town. Under him, Australia retained the Ashes in England (in 2019), won the ODI series in India (3-2 in 2019), T20 World Cup 2021 (in UAE) and The Ashes in Down Under (last series in charge).

Cummins said that he holds a huge amount of respect for Langer who has backed him personally.

“We’ve had a few messages over the last few days and we’re all good. From my point of view, I have huge respect for the man and I love what he has done. I owe him a lot he’s been brilliant for this team but also me individually,” he said. 

“He’s backed me in a lot and that’s probably what I passed on to him and hopefully we can catch up soon and talk about it,” he added.

Assistant coach Andrew McDonald was named as the interim coach, he will take the charge of the Australian national team for the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting on February 11 in Sydney.

Also Read: We Need New Style Of Coaching And Skill Set: Pat Cummins Opens Up On Justin Langer’s Resignation