Australia Test captain Pat Cummins has come out in strong support of chief selector George Bailey and his selection committee after former Australian coach Darren Lehmann criticized Bailey for being too close to the players to make difficult decisions. Cummins dismissed Lehmann's concerns, praising Bailey for his objectivity and ability to make bold calls when required.

Lehmann, speaking after the rain-soaked draw in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, questioned Bailey's constant presence around the Australian squad. Lehmann suggested that being too close to the players could cloud a selector's judgment, as it might make them more emotional and less willing to make tough decisions.

“Now, you can’t do that sometimes if you’re too close because you actually get too emotional and you care about the players. As a selector, I cared about the players, as a coach you do, but sometimes you actually get too close and you forget about what’s out there,” Lehmann stated during an interview with ABC Sports.

In response, Cummins backed Bailey and his panel, emphasizing their ability to remain objective. The Australian captain also highlighted the tough decisions Bailey has made in recent years across all formats.

“Of course, the most important thing is you do stay objective, and I think the selection panel is amazing at that. They’ve made some bold calls over the last couple of years in all formats, probably bolder than I’d seen other selectors make over the previous years, so they’ve never shied away from a tough decision,” Cummins said.

Cummins further lauded Bailey’s contribution to the team, noting that both the current players and those at the state level appreciate Bailey's work.

“What George brings to the role is amazing, and I think you’d hear that from the guys in the side, but you’d also hear it from state guys and everyone outside it as well,” Cummins added.