Pat Cummins reveals what he REALLY feels about being labeled ‘Captain Woke’ by critics – and the World Cup moment he’ll still be thinking about on his deathbed
- Pat Cummins has opened up about his ‘woke’ views
- The Australian captain has been criticized for sharing his views
- He says he will never give in on important issues
Pat Cummins has revealed how he deals with criticism of his ‘woke’ views in a tell-all interview after Australia’s World Cup victory.
Cummins has been widely criticized for raising his position on several social issues, including Black Lives Matter, the Voice referendum and climate change, with critics telling the Australian captain to stick to cricket.
But speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Cummins has explained that the values his family instilled in him have meant he will not allow people to push him aside.
“There are some things you don’t want to admit to,” he said. ‘You can’t just leave your values at the door.
‘I love this country. So I think there are areas we should celebrate and there are areas we can always improve, just like anywhere else in the world.
Pat Cummins has revealed how he deals with criticism of his ‘woke’ views
Cummins enjoyed his crowning as captain last week but faced fierce criticism over his views on social issues
‘I would say [my values come] from my parents and family. You know, mom and dad have always been very clearly focused on what’s important, and that’s always been instilled in us children.
‘I think playing cricket and traveling around the world for twelve years also opens your eyes. You meet hundreds, thousands of people along the way and that always shapes who you are and how you think.’
When asked whether he was aware of the criticism directed at him, he replied: ‘It will certainly end up on your desk.
‘Sometimes it’s frustrating. You feel like you want to explain why you did what you did. But if you did that every time, you wouldn’t have a minute left in your day.’
Cummins oversaw a ‘captaincy masterclass’ to beat tournament favorites India on enemy soil in the World Cup final last Sunday, at his peak as captain of Australia.
The fast bowler says his family has instilled in him strong values, which he will never give in to
When asked what specific moment from the final he will think about on his deathbed, Cummins admitted that he will cherish the moment he took Virat Kohli’s wicket.
‘I was obviously very excited. And then we’re in the huddle after that wicket, and Steve Smith says, “Guys, just listen to the crowd.”
“We took a break and it was as quiet as a library; 100,000 Indians there, and it was quiet. I will enjoy that moment for a long time.’