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‘Still No. 1 one in the world’: Pat Cummins addresses two ‘unfair’ claims during Border-Gavaskar series

After the first Test in Perth, Pat Cummins and his men were under the pump.

The critics were out in full force following the 295-run loss to India.

Australia's preparation was one of the big discussion points, with star players barely featuring in the Sheffield Shield.

Then came the Josh Hazlewood press conference.

Josh Hazlewood.  Cricket Australia

With the Aussies 3-12 heading into day four, Hazlewood was asked what the next day looked like.

"You probably have to ask one of the batters that question … I'm probably looking mostly towards the next Test," he said.

Then came the pile on.

Michael Vaughan said on Fox Cricket that he was "staggered" by it, suggesting Hazlewood's comments divided the batters and bowlers.

Adam Gilchrist also considered whether the change room was divided.

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'Still No. 1 one in the world': Pat Cummins addresses two 'unfair' claims during Border-Gavaskar series

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From there, the Australian team locked in and the division claim seemed far-fetched as Cummins' side rallied together and finished the series strong to win 3-1.

Speaking after the victory at the SCG, the Australian captain said questions around his side after the Perth result were fair and unfair.

He then continued it showed the strength of his group "to stay strong".

The skipper was asked after those candid thoughts about what exactly was unfair and fair. He was honest in his answer.

"Preparation – I was really happy with our preparation going into the first Test," Cummins said.

"I think if you don't play well that gets questioned but if you do play well, people forget about it. I think team unity, for the most part we were really good, this summer's been awesome, the group's very tight, very honest.

'Still No. 1 one in the world': Pat Cummins addresses two 'unfair' claims during Border-Gavaskar series

Pat Cummins during his press conference.  Nine

"A couple of those things that play out inevitably when you lose, that happens.

"Thing like we weren't at our best, that's fair. Overcoming that and staying strong is easier said than done."

Cummins would later add the key to his side's turnaround was that trademark keep it simple approach that's been symbolic throughout his leadership.

"I think more importantly it's what you don't change," he said.

"Of course after a loss like that you reassess where you're at but we were really happy with how most of the guys were going," he said.

"I thought we had a bad week but I thought our game plans, methods, selections were pretty much where we wanted to be but maybe our execution was off.

"Each individual had a few things to work off. Marnus worked so hard and wanted to change the way he approached the game.

"I think you can very easily panic in those situations, change a lot, I think it's more important to realise we're still No. 1 one in the world, a very good team, stay strong."

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