Michael Clarke calls for Cummins' explanation on Justin Langer's resignation

Cricket Australia (CA) currently sits in turmoil with Justin Langer announcing his resignation from the position of head coach after taking the side to utmost glory. Pundits did not even spare Pat Cummins and launched a scathing at the Test skipper on the Langer saga.

Cummins' former teammate Mitchell Johnson blamed the Aussie captain for the fiasco and accused him of an agenda, claiming that the paceman plans to bring in a new head coach of his choice.

Now that the criticism has gone over the roof, Michael Clarke came by Cummins' side and insisted that the pacer make things clear from his part. However, Clarke admitted that Cummins' reputation has suffered and his explanation only can change the public sentiment.

"The Australian public isn't stupid and this is my point with Pat Cummins. His reputation is squeaky-clean. Right now it has taken a hit, until he stands there and voices his opinion. Look what Mitchell Johnson said about Pat Cummins. A teammate, a friend of his has smoked him," Clarke was quoted as saying on The Big Sports Breakfast.

"My advice to Patty is he has got to stand there. He needs to tell the fans where he sits on this because everyone thinks it is Patty who made the decision. That accountability sits with him. He is trying to honour both parties and has done it very well. He is trying to look after Cricket Australia. I don't like seeing Pat get smacked for this because I think he is in a lose-lose situation. He sits right in the middle.

Clarke asserted that CA must allow Cummins to be as transparent as possible, otherwise, he will continue to garner the unnecessary bashing.

"Patty needs to come out and make his opinion very clear. Cricket Australia has to allow him to be open and honest otherwise he will be blamed for this. A lot of people are smashing him for this," the former Australian captain added.

"I saw Mitchell Johnson's comments, he smoked him. I think a lot of people are thinking what Mitch is thinking. You've got the likes of Mark Taylor talking about it, Steve Waugh making comments, Ricky Ponting's comments are very strong. I'm suggesting to Pat Cummins as the leader, he needs to stand tall and explain to past players -- Mitchell Johnson, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden -- plus the fans and cricket lovers, what the hell is going on here," Clarke mentioned.

Langer was offered a six-month extension but he declined as the players, reportedly, were not comfortable with his coaching style.