Australia Test captain Pat Cummins says there are no cowards in the team in light of Justin Langer's recent comments following his acrimonious exit as coach earlier this year.
Cummins, speaking ahead of the first Test against the West Indies that starts in Perth on Wednesday, insisted there was no "ill will" towards Langer.
Langer criticised anonymous "cowards" who leaked information against him during his time as Australia coach, when speaking to the Back Chat podcast which was released last week.
The ex-Australian opener, who ultimately resigned from the role in February after only being offered a short-term extension, had tried to backtrack from those comments, stating the players were "like my younger brothers".
Cummins moved to defend his teammates on Tuesday but reiterated there were no hard feelings with Langer.
"There's no cowards in an Australian cricket team, not ever," Cummins told reporters. "I'd probably never disclose private conversations.
"I think it's disappointing sometimes the focus gets drawn to off-field issues but it hasn't really affected our team."
Cummins added: "I think there's no ill will to what he was trying to do and he clarified afterwards.
"I think he had a think about it and clarified it, so thank him for that. But we're really proud of the last 12 months, how we've fronted up, the way we've played, the way we've conducted ourselves. Players can certainly hold their heads high."
Cummins confirmed no surprises in the side's XI for the first Test with fast bowler Scott Boland and opening batsman Marcus Harris to be the two players to miss out from Australia's 13-man squad.
"To be honest it is the most stable team I have played in ever," Cummins said. "You could probably have picked the side 12 months ago, I feel like we are in a good spot.
"Everyone has done well to get them fit and firing for this series and we’re in a really good place. Easy decision."