AUS v WI 2022: Pat Cummins reveals Australian XI for 1st Test; hits back at Justin Langer for his ‘cowards’ remark

Cummins reacted to Langer's comments on cowards in Australian team for leaking info to media.

Australian captain Pat Cummins has hit back hard at former head coach Justin Langer’s remarks calling players cowards for leaking inside information to media during his tenure and said that there are "no cowards" in the Australian team.

Langer last week attacked the anonymous "cowards" who leaked against him in the lead-up to his resignation this year after widespread reports in the Australian media, citing sources, about his intense coaching style.

"There's no cowards in an Australian cricket team, not ever. 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 in Perth ahead of the first Test against the West Indies on Wednesday.

However, Langer has since backtracked on his comments and claimed he was not referring to players when he used the word "cowards".

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"I think he had a think about it and clarified it, so I 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,” Cummins added.

Langer is due to commentate on the two-match West Indies series and Cummins insisted there was no "ill-will" and he was keen to catch up with him.

The Australian captain said: "I'm looking forward to seeing him. He'll be in and around here commentating, so it'll be good."

Along with this, Pat Cummins announced the Australian XI for the first Test as well which was as expected. The batting order is unchanged from their last Test in Sri Lanka.

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David Warner and Usman Khawaja will open the innings, with Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Cameron Green as the batters, Alex Carey keeping the wickets. Nathan Lyon will be the sole spinner in the side.

The fast bowling department will see Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood partnering with captain Pat Cummins.

Australia playing XI for first Test vs West Indies:

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

(AFP inputs)