Australian captain Pat Cummins has broken his silence regarding the ongoing feud between Mitchell Johnson and David Warner, expressing strong support for his teammate. Cummins emphasized the team’s “fiercely protective” nature and defended Warner’s selection despite criticism from Johnson.

In a recent newspaper editorial, Johnson questioned Warner’s place in the upcoming Test series, which is expected to be his farewell. He argued against a “hero’s send-off” for Warner, citing his recent form and involvement in the “Sandpaper-gate” scandal.

Responding to this criticism, Cummins acknowledged Johnson’s right to express his opinion but firmly disagreed with his assessment of Warner. He highlighted the close-knit nature of the Australian team and their commitment to supporting one another.

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“Our boys, I’ve played alongside someone like Davey or Steve (Smith) for a dozen years now. (We are) fiercely protective of each other,” Pat Cummins stated.

He further pointed out the timing of the criticism, emphasizing that it comes amidst a period of great success for Australian cricket. He urged everyone to focus on the positives and celebrate the achievements of both the men’s and women’s teams.

“We have played with hundreds and hundreds of people over our careers and for the most part, everyone is fantastic. It is hard to say (what Mitch’s motivation is). You have to ask Mitch. But there are so many things we should be celebrating about Australian cricket at the moment,” Pat Cummins said.

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With his strong defense of Warner, Cummins has effectively silenced the growing controversy surrounding the veteran opener’s selection. He has also reaffirmed the importance of team unity and support, highlighting the values that have contributed to Australia’s recent cricket success.