BGT 2024-25: Cummins Responds to Team Rift Rumors, Says Commentators Misread Situation

Adelaide, Dec 5 (NationPress) As the second Test against India approaches at the Adelaide Oval, Australia's skipper Pat Cummins has refuted the rumors regarding a supposed rift within the Australian team, stating that some commentators got it a hundred percent wrong and attempt to generate headlines from such speculation.

The controversy arose from Josh Hazlewood’s remarks following a disheartening day three in the first Test against India. When asked how Australia would tackle day four, Hazlewood replied, “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 flames during commentary, suggesting that Hazlewood's comments indicated a potential split in the dressing room.

In response to these rumors, Cummins emphasized the team's unity and dismissed such allegations, accusing certain commentators of generating unnecessary headlines.

“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 try to concentrate our focus on how we prepare, give ourselves the best chance to win the games,” stated Cummins during a pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Due to Hazlewood’s injury, Australia has had to modify their lineup for the pink-ball Test, bringing in Scott Boland to strengthen their bowling attack.

“He’s really confident for the Gabba. He had a good bowl yesterday (Wednesday) only like three quarters (pace). It went beautifully. It’s probably the right call in hindsight. I think in previous years, we just kept bowling (him). It’s probably turned that one-week injury into a three, four or five-week injury, whereas this year it seems a little bit different.”

“Traditionally there’s normally a little bit of nip here, which obviously suits Scotty quite well. All last summer he was kind of geared up to go and no-one fell over. He’s happy with how it’s coming out, and his rhythm. As a captain, it’s pretty awesome for someone like Scotty to come straight in,” Cummins added.

Cummins also provided an update on all-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s fitness, indicating that while Marsh would not bowl at the start of the Test, he might be called upon later if needed.

“We have made the call with the medical team to give him another couple of days off bowling. Expecting him to warm-up only in case he is required to bowl. I am guessing he will be required at some point,” the Australian captain noted.

With Australia trailing 0-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and their hopes for the World Test Championship (WTC) final hanging in the balance, a series whitewash could eliminate Australia from the WTC contention.

Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, Cummins referred to Australia's comeback in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where they bounced back from two consecutive defeats to secure the title.

“When you are playing at home, any Test match brings pressure. When you are down, there is a little bit more. We have been in similar situations before, whether it is World Cups or other series, where you are in must-win situations. We love playing here, we love playing in Australia. We know that we were not at our best last week. Everyone in this team has got personal pride, professional pride. We’re excited for the last four Tests,” said Cummins.

Despite Australia’s challenges in the first Test, Cummins expressed satisfaction with his own bowling performance, stating, “I was happy with the way I bowled. I felt that it came out. In the second innings, I tried a few more things. But overall, I think I am happy with my rhythm,” he concluded.