CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH - SEPTEMBER 05: Pat Cummins of Australia prepares to bowl during day two of the Second Test match between Bangladesh and Australia at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on September 5, 2017 in Chittagong, Bangladesh. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Australian captain Pat Cummins has today hit back at suggestions by former greats that the players were behind Justin Langer's decision to stand down. In a saga that has dragged on all summer, Cummins was asked about the fallout of the fiasco.

While understanding, he reiterated he felt it was not a player-driven decision, saying he was comfortable with the outside "noise", Cummins was again consistent in his message.

"It was okay, I felt for Justin as much as anyone else, but I knew when I became captain I was going to cop it for different things," he said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

"If anything, it kind of reminded me I've got to look after the team and do what's best for Australian cricket. All the noise and things that might come with it come from a good place, but I cant let it affect me too much."

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As has now become evident, players were asked for their input and feedback on Langer as a coach in 2021. Following a poor home summer, in which a series lead was surrendered to India, the scrutiny on Langer was intense.

While players were consulted, Cummins was quick to establish their level of influence, saying that they were "heard" by Cricket Australia, but denied they had pushed him out.

"Certainly our feedback was heard, as I think it should be," he said.

"But to say that we are decision-makers is quite far from the truth. It's a high-performance set-up, there's the board that makes decisions, so of course, people within the environment get consulted, that includes senior players, staff members, which I think has always been the case.

Australia v India: 1st Test - Day 1
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 17: Tim Paine of Australia, Pat Cummins of Australia, Steve Smith of Australia and Marnus Labuschagne of Australia after the signing of the national anthem during day one of the First Test match between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval on December 17, 2020 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

"I think that's the right way to do things, it's healthy. Nothing untoward, for sure."

With Andrew McDonald hotly tipped to take over from Langer, Cummins said that a decision was likely to be made after the upcoming historic tour of Pakistan.

When asked about McDonald, Cummins only said that he thinks "he's certainly capable (of being full-time coach), for sure."

Australia's tour of Pakistan begins March 4th with the first Test in Rawalpindi.