Pat Cummins has again refrained from endorsing Australian Coach Justin Langer.
In an interview with Ben Fordham on 2GB, Cummins insisted he has a "great relationship" with Langer but that it was "out of my hands," despite ACA Chief Todd Greenberg recently saying that players "should have a view."
In what has become one of the more bizarre sagas in recent times for Australian cricket, Langer remains in the dark about his future. Speculation has been mounting for months that he'll be moved on.
However, following an incredible four months, there's been calls for him to stay on. As if winning the T20 World Cup wasn't enough, Langer lead the Australians to a 4-0 Ashes win.
The spate of success has led to many questioning why he would not be offered a new contract. In a further twist, many of Australia's senior players have remained non-committal when the chance to endorse Langer has arisen.
Despite youngster Cam Green coming out in support, saying that he would "love it" if he stayed on, the silence from others hasn't gone unnoticed.
As the Captain, Cummins has been asked numerous times this summer about Langer's future. Despite insisting that they get on well, Cummins has always stopped short of publicly endorsing his reappointment.
Speaking to Fordham, Cummins said “Cricket Australia are running that process at the moment. I think it’s a good thing, it’s healthy, that we’re able to get evaluated even when we’re going well, so they’re doing that thorough process at the moment."
Pressed further on the matter, Cummins revealed that the players are involved in discussions. “We’ve certainly been part of the evaluation process, which we are for other teammates and other coaches as well."
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Despite Cummins insisting that Cricket Australia will ultimately decide Langer's fate, it's becoming apparent the players have influence on it.
Following rumblings after last summer's series loss to India in Australia, Langer was called in by Cricket Australia. It was said that the players weren't enjoying his style of coaching. It was said to be too intense, amongst other things.
It was feedback that Langer took on board. Changing his approach for this summer, which reaped plenty of rewards. Despite this, it's been reported by FoxSports that Langer had a fiery meeting with Cricket Australia over his new contract.
Having been asked to reapply for his job, Langer was said to be incensed. With cricket fans divided about the issue, it has become a distraction from Australia's golden summer.
On Friday morning, Cummins again remained non-committal when speaking to Sam Edmund on SEN. He reiterated that the players don't make the decision, saying "that's for Cricket Australia to answer."
Despite again not endorsing Langer's reappointment, he was full of praise for him, saying “he’s been brilliant for me, over the last four years I've learned a lot from him, he’s been fantastic.”
When asked about their relationship he again said "yeah really good... I’ve had probably my best four years as a cricketer and he’s overseen that these last four years”
Cummins also conceded it was not ideal that the process was drawn out but insisted it was necessary. When asked about it by Edmund he said “I’m sure he wants an answer quickly... I think the most important thing is due process and that it’s run well.”
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It's thought Langer's future will be decided on Friday afternoon.
In further developments, England have just sacked coach Chris Silverwood overnight. Should Cricket Australia's offer to Langer be underwhelming, there's no doubting he'll have plenty of suitors.
