Australian captain Pat Cummins has responded to speculations surrounding a rift in the Australian dressing room ahead of the second Test against India in Adelaide Oval, saying "some commentators got it a hundred per cent wrong" and "try to create headlines" out of it.
The controversy stemmed from Josh Hazlewood’s comments post a crushing day three’s play for the hosts’ in the first Test against India.
When Hazlewood was asked about how Australia would approach day four, his response to the query was, “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."
Adam Gilchrist, former cricketer, had added fuel to the fire during the commentary as he said that Hazlewood's comments have suggested to him that there is a likelihood of a divide in the dressing room.
Addressing the rumors, Cummins insisted on the unity within the squad and dismissed such claims accusing some commentators of creating unnecessary headlines.
"The team is great. Some of the commentators got it a hundred per cent 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," Pat Cummins said in a pre-match presser on Thursday.
Australia has been compelled to replace one of their players for the pink-ball Test as Hazlewood suffered an injury. Scott Boland has been added to the team to strengthen the bowling lineup.
"He's really confident for the Gabba. He had a good bowl yesterday 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 very well. All last summer, he was geared to go and no-one went down. He's just been ticked off with how he thought he was coming out-and, his rhythm. Pretty great for a captain who might have someone like Scotty come straight in'," says Cummins.
Cummins also gave an update on the all-rounder Mitchell Marsh's fitness. Marsh would not bowl in the initial stages of the Test, but he might be called upon later if required.
"We have taken the decision 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 Aussie skipper said.
A whitewash will leave Australia in arrears with the WTC race as it trails 0-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Reflecting on the challenge, Cummins talked about the challenge of this series saying Australia had comeback from two straight losses in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 to lift the trophy.
"Yeah, 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.
Though Australia was not at their best in the first Test, Cummins was still pleased with his bowling, saying, "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 added.
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