Despite cummins

New Delhi: Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has come to the defence of chief selector George Bailey following pointed criticism from former Australian coach Darren Lehmann, who accused him of being too close to the Test side to make the tough calls.

The underwhelming performances of Australia’s top order have drawn sharp criticism, with Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Marnus Labuschagne averaging a combined 14.40, the lowest figure for Australia’s top three in a home Test summer since 1887/88. Nathan McSweeney, in particular, finds himself under the microscope.

Lehmann took aim at Bailey on Tuesday as the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series headed for a rain-soaked draw, raising doubts about the former Australian international's close relationship with the team. "In my opinion, he’s too close to the team. I would like him sitting up watching in a selectors’ box somewhere and be able to make his own decisions. Lehmann had said on ABC Sport.