Cummins & Co not bothered by outside noise

Australia captain Pat Cummins took two key wickets and effected a crucial run-out on Monday as the Australians defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets to register their first win in India and give the skipper breathing space.

Before Monday, Cummins had overseen a six-wicket loss to India, where his team had been bowled out for just 199, and a 134-rout by South Africa, their heaviest defeat at a World Cup.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke had claimed after two defeats that 30-year-old Cummins was to be left out of the team.

"I heard last night that Pat Cummins is not going to be selected for this game," Clarke told Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast in Australia.

"If Pat Cummins is going to get dropped and not captain the team, then you guys have selected the wrong captain."

However, Cummins put his critics in their place in Lucknow, dismissing both Sri Lanka openers Pathum Nissanka (61) and Kusal Perera (78) after they had put on 125 for the first wicket.

"The outside noise doesn't bother us too much. We know what we can do as a squad," said Cummins after his team defeated Sri Lanka.

"We're sort of underway in the tournament and hope we keep it up," he added.