BGT 2024-25: Cummins Denies Team Rift Speculations, Critiques Commentators

Adelaide, Dec 5 (NationPress) With the second Test against India on the horizon at the Adelaide Oval, Australian captain Pat Cummins has responded to the swirling rumors regarding a supposed division in the Australian dressing room, asserting that some commentators got it a hundred percent wrong and are just looking to create headlines.

The speculation arose from comments made by Josh Hazlewood after a tough day three for the Australians in the first Test against India. When asked how Australia would tackle day four, Hazlewood responded, “You probably have to ask one of the batters that question. I’m sort of relaxing and trying to get a bit of physio and a bit of treatment.”

Former cricketer Adam Gilchrist stoked the controversy during commentary by suggesting that Hazlewood's remarks indicated a potential divide within the team.

In response to these rumors, Cummins reaffirmed the team's solidarity and dismissed such allegations, accusing some commentators of fabricating unnecessary stories. “The team's great. Some of the commentators got it a hundred percent wrong. We prepared like we always do. It’s a great feeling around the team. When things don’t go right, there are enough commentators who will support you but some that will try and create headlines. We try not to notice those things. We focus on our preparation to give ourselves the best chance of winning games,”

Pat Cummins stated during a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Due to Hazlewood's injury, Australia is making adjustments to their lineup for the pink-ball Test, bringing in Scott Boland to strengthen the bowling attack.

“He’s really confident for the Gabba. He had a good bowl yesterday (Wednesday), only at about three-quarters pace. It went beautifully. In hindsight, it’s probably the right call. Previously, we might have just kept bowling him, turning a one-week injury into a three, four, or five-week injury, whereas this time, it seems different,” Cummins explained.

“Traditionally, there’s usually a bit of nip here, which suits Scotty quite well. All last summer he was geared up to play but no one fell over. He’s pleased with how it’s coming out and his rhythm. As a captain, it’s fantastic to have someone like Scotty step right in,” Cummins added.

Cummins also provided an update on all-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s fitness, indicating that while Marsh won’t bowl in the early stages of the Test, he may be called upon later if necessary.

“We’ve consulted with the medical team and decided to give him a few more days off bowling. We expect him to warm up only if he’s needed to bowl. I’m guessing he will be needed at some point,” the Australian skipper mentioned.

Trailing 0-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia’s hopes for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final are on the line, as a series whitewash would eliminate them from the WTC race.

Reflecting on the challenge, Cummins recalled Australia’s remarkable comeback in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where they bounced back from two consecutive losses to clinch the tournament.

“Any Test match at home carries pressure. When you’re behind, there’s even more. We’ve faced similar situations before, whether in World Cups or other series, where we’ve had to win. We love playing here in Australia. We acknowledge that we weren’t at our best last week. Everyone in this team has personal and professional pride. We’re looking forward to the last four Tests,” Cummins said.

Despite Australia’s challenges in the first Test, Cummins expressed contentment with his own bowling performance, stating, “I was happy with the way I bowled. I felt it came out well. In the second innings, I tried a few different things. Overall, I think I’m satisfied with my rhythm,” he concluded.