Justin Langer steps down as coach of Australia, effective immediately

[MenInG]

Australia batter Usman Khawaja believes that Justin Langer left behind a strong legacy after his stint as head coach of the Australian team, a role he resigned from on Saturday, 5 February.

Khawaja believes the biggest impact Langer had was restoring "humility" in the side. Despite leading Australia to their maiden T20 World Cup title and having a successful Ashes, Langer ended his four-year tenure as head coach of the Australia men's side, declining an offer from Cricket Australia for a six-month extension.

"One thing that I do love 'JL' (Langer) for, what I feel like he brought back was humility – I felt like he brought humility back into the Australian cricket team," he said. "It's all about legacy and for me that's one thing he left behind, because I know what we were playing like before he was coach, and I know what we were playing like after he was coach.

"I supported Langer the person. I felt like people were attacking himself, Justin Langer, and I felt that was a bit unfair; you've got to separate the coach from the person. And that's probably where I was coming from."

Stating that he was saddened by Langer's departure from the role, Khawaja also added that he wasn't fully aware of the circumstances that led to him resigning, amid criticism surrounding Test captain Pat Cummins for not publicly supporting Langer after his exit.

"I just came back in the team two months ago. I've been a little bit out of it, a little bit disconnected, but there's obviously a lot of ex-players coming and talking about the playing group," Khawaja said.

The Australian batter, who returned to the Test setup after almost two years during the Ashes, also lauded Langer for always looking to improve as a coach and said that he saw positive changes in the setup during Langer's tenure.

"JL [Langer] is one guy if you give him feedback, he normally pushes back to start but always takes it in at some stage," he said. "He was always trying to improve as a coach, as a person, and trying to do his best.

"I could see, definitely, improvements in places where he probably was a bit weaker with his coaching and it's like all of us, we're all trying to improve … and I could definitely see that the effort being put in. I still always got along with him."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2474935?sf159765816=1

 

[MenInG]

Former Australian captain and player Ian Chappell has slammed the former cricketers who are coming in as aid for the Ex-coach Justin Langer. He has addressed them as the former's 'PR Machine'.

On Saturday Justin Langer stepped down from his post of Australia's head coach after a major turn of events as the former Australian Test opener was told that he will get only a fresh six-month contract from Cricket Australia (CA).

Chappell jumped in support of the Test skipper Pat Cummins and CA after he was not convinced by the remarks they received from the likes of Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh, who were all Langer's team-mates during his time in the Australian Cricket team.

"It's easy to lambast Cricket Australia, because they are not very good, and it was only to be expected, their reaction," Chappell said while speaking to Wide World of Sports.

"What annoys me is two things; the fact Pat Cummins, who has probably been as honest as you can be in this sort of thing, that he's copped a bit of a pasting... and the Justin Langer PR machine has been at work, and in a lot of cases that's been believed," he added.

Langer's relationship with his players went beyond repair after things in the dressing room got heated up after the current T20 World Champions lost their maiden T20 series away to Bangladesh. Senior pros like Paine, Cummins, and Finch, among others along with the CA management, had to jump in and sit down to resolve the matter.

"And within reason I think the captain has got to get the coach that he gets on with, and works well with," Chappell added.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum spoke positively about the former coach and was all praise about the former opener.

He highlighted that Langer played an important role in restoring the faith of the Australian fans in the team after the infamous Cape Town ball-tampering scandal. But he believes that Langer's impact on the field has been a bit overstated.

"England are hopeless, so I think anyone that was at the helm in the Ashes, they would have won that," he told SENZ Breakfast. "The T20 World Cup was a really good performance, but aside from that, the performance was just a bit middling for an Australian cricket side," he added.

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...in-aid-of-langer-calls-them-pr-machine/857036

 

[MenInG]

Pat Cummins' statement on Justin Langer's resignation

 

[Junaids]

You can tell that Cummins is far smarter and far more educated than any other man in world cricket.

His statement today was not PR fluff, it was a highly intelligent piece.



"Justin has acknowledged that his style was intense. And it was.

He has apologised to players and staff for his intensity.

I think the apology was unnecessary.

Because the players were OK with JL's intensity.

It's what makes him a legend of the sport.

And Justin's intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards.

These are significant Justin Langer legacies.

And on behalf of the players, I thank Justin.

So, his intensity was not the issue for the players and the support staff.

The question is: what is the best style of coaching for the future, given how the team has evolved?

We have been very well schooled in how to play cricket in the right way – in the correct Australian way.

We understand the importance of always playing to the highest ethical standards.

And the players need no motivation as I've never played with more motivated cricketers.

To be better players for Australia, from this solid foundation, we need a new style of coaching and skill set.

This was the feedback the players gave to Cricket Australia. And it's the feedback I understand support staff also gave.

We welcome that Cricket Australia invited the players and staff to contribute to CA's evaluation.

I add that as professional sportspeople we would have accepted any decision CA were to make because that's what professionals do.

CA have made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning.

Finally, we are custodians of cricket, with one very big thing in common: our first duty is to Australian cricket, which is bigger than any one of us.

I take this responsibility seriously. I live and breathe it.

We also have a duty to our mates.

Many former players have reached out to me and silently offered me their advice which is welcome.

Some others have spoken in the media – which is also welcome and comes from a love of the game and their support of a mate.

To all past players, I want to say this:

Just as you have always stuck up for your mates, I'm sticking up for mine.

I'm looking forward to speaking with the media today before training."

Smart, smart guy.

Very, very classy.

 

[Walawalkar]

You can tell that Cummins is far smarter and far more educated than any other man in world cricket.

His statement today was not PR fluff, it was a highly intelligent piece.



"Justin has acknowledged that his style was intense. And it was.

He has apologised to players and staff for his intensity.

I think the apology was unnecessary.

Because the players were OK with JL's intensity.

It's what makes him a legend of the sport.

And Justin's intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards.

These are significant Justin Langer legacies.

And on behalf of the players, I thank Justin.

So, his intensity was not the issue for the players and the support staff.

The question is: what is the best style of coaching for the future, given how the team has evolved?

We have been very well schooled in how to play cricket in the right way – in the correct Australian way.

We understand the importance of always playing to the highest ethical standards.

And the players need no motivation as I've never played with more motivated cricketers.

To be better players for Australia, from this solid foundation, we need a new style of coaching and skill set.

This was the feedback the players gave to Cricket Australia. And it's the feedback I understand support staff also gave.

We welcome that Cricket Australia invited the players and staff to contribute to CA's evaluation.

I add that as professional sportspeople we would have accepted any decision CA were to make because that's what professionals do.

CA have made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning.

Finally, we are custodians of cricket, with one very big thing in common: our first duty is to Australian cricket, which is bigger than any one of us.

I take this responsibility seriously. I live and breathe it.

We also have a duty to our mates.

Many former players have reached out to me and silently offered me their advice which is welcome.

Some others have spoken in the media – which is also welcome and comes from a love of the game and their support of a mate.

To all past players, I want to say this:

Just as you have always stuck up for your mates, I'm sticking up for mine.

I'm looking forward to speaking with the media today before training."

Smart, smart guy.

Very, very classy.

Can't agree more...

 

[dildilpak]

Good on Cummins to stick up for his team - it has to be the team’s call who should coach them. Period.

But it will be a hard task taking on these powerful ex-cricketers - they will bide their time & then swoop down on Cummins if he starts faltering a bit anywhere. They will not forget this ‘insult’.

 

[MenInG]

Wary of Australia's packed international schedule over the coming years, Andrew McDonald wants clarity on the responsibilities for the next men's team head coach before applying for the job.

The post-Justin Langer era started successfully on Friday evening as the Aussies accounted for Sri Lanka by 20 runs in the Dettol T20I series opener at the SCG.

It marked the first of what could be nearly two dozen international T20 matches between last year's T20 World Cup and the ensuing edition later this year where they will defend their crown on home soil.

Test tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka are also on the agenda before the next home summer while windows for a host of series put off during the pandemic will also need to be found.

Matches against Bangladesh, South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan have all been 'postponed' (deferred without being rescheduled) since the beginning of the pandemic.

McDonald would be a popular pick to succeed Langer among Australia's leading players. Captains Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch have both praised his calm approach this week while Kane Richardson labelled him a "next-gen coach".

But with England also in the market for a new coach following Chris Silverwood's departure in the wake of their disastrous Ashes tour, McDonald believes both countries must decide what they want from their next head coaches.

"(Applying for the Australia job) is something I haven't really considered," McDonald told reporters on Saturday. "It happened really, really quickly with JL and the process there. No thoughts given to it at this stage.

"I think the greater conversation around that at this stage is clearly Australia and England have jobs open, but it's what they're looking for.

"Split roles have been mentioned (to manage) all three formats. There's a lot to work through. I'll wait to see how that process unfolds and see what happens there.

"You've got to see what they're looking for in the job and then (consider) whether it's the right fit for you.

"It's not just as simple as saying , 'There's a job there, would you like to do it, yes or no?' I think it's a great opportunity for a greater cricket conversation that two of the bigger cricket nations are embarking upon. I'm fascinated to see where that lands."

Even before Langer confirmed his resignation in an acrimonious exit earlier this month, McDonald was always going to stand in as coach for the Sri Lanka T20 series given Langer's workload over recent months.

McDonald, who praised Langer's work ethic and attention to detail in his four years in the job, will now also lead the Test team on an interim basis in Pakistan. He suggested little will change under his leadership.

"There will be an element of continuing to run the team in a similar fashion to what we have," said the four-Test former allrounder.

Cricket Australia has not indicated a desire to split the head coaching job into Test and white-ball roles but chief executive Nick Hockley has flagged a "project-focused approach" to upcoming series.

Langer had an enormous appetite to lead the Australian team across all three formats but McDonald suggested that may not be sustainable for his successor.

"The FTP (ICC's Future Tours Program) over the next 12, 18, 24 months is not getting any lighter, there's a conversation to be had there," said the 40-year-old.

"It's not just a single answer to yes, this is the best way to do it, or no it's not. It's been tried before.

"We saw Andy Flower and Ashley Giles do a split role (for England) – whether that was the right time for it, the game's changed a hell of a lot since then.

"If they get the right people around the table expect they'd be able to solve it.

"Two countries are embarking on it, we'll see where both end up."

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/and...-england-split-roles-three-formats/2022-02-12

 

[Hassaan HS]

Justin Langer saga drags on as Cricket Australia announces outcome of seven-hour meeting

The saga surrounding Justin Langer’s coaching future will drag on after Cricket Australia failed to reach a resolution on his future during a marathon board meeting.

Directors met throughout the business day in Melbourne on Friday, where Langer’s future was a priority after six months of speculation about his job.

Head of performance Ben Oliver was expected to present a recommendation to the board on the team’s direction, after meeting with both Langer and senior players.

However, by the time CEO Nick Hockley emerged at close to 6.30pm, officials had no resolution other than to continue talks with the coach.

“We had extensive discussions about Justin Langer’s contract,” Hockley said.

“We will now enter into confidential discussions with Justin and the outcome will be announced as soon as possible.

“I’m afraid I have no further comment at this stage.”

It means every possibility remains on the table, including severing ties with Langer early, offering him a new deal or even splitting the role between red and white-ball formats.

Australia have just three weeks until they leave for a Test tour of Pakistan, by which time Langer, support staff and players would surely want an answer.

Players will also be forced to face questions on the issue daily in the media next week when they enter camp for a five-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka.

Assistant coach Andrew McDonald will handle those matches, with Langer taking a pre-arranged rest before the trip to Pakistan.

On the field, Langer’s winning record is bettered only by John Buchanan since Australia started employing full-time coaches in 1985.

But the key sticking point with Langer has long been more about his intensity off the field than Australia’s results on it, with reports that it has negatively affected players.

It was after last summer’s second home defeat to India in three years that the pressure first began to mount on Langer.

White-ball series losses in West Indies and Bangladesh only added to that, before the situation seemingly reached boiling point last August amid claims he was too intense.
It prompted high-powered meetings between senior players and cricket administrators, with Langer agreeing to loosen his grip on the team.

Australia went on to claim their maiden T20 World Cup title in what was described by senior stars as a “player-driven” team environment.

The recent 4-0 Ashes domination that followed gave Langer hope of retaining his position, before last week’s meetings.

Senior players have largely opted not to comment publicly on the issue or if Langer should be retained, with captain Pat Cummins stating on Thursday that he didn’t want to add to the speculation.

But the skipper did admit on Friday that Langer would understandably want an answer as soon as possible.

Cummins also admitted he could understand why people would feel Langer’s extension should be a formality after Australia’s success, but said it was important to evaluate his position.

“I think that is totally true,” Cummins said on SEN.

“But it’s also true that we have to run a process, and totally evaluate, and do what we’re always trying to do, improve and optimise the environment.But the skipper did admit on Friday that Langer would understandably want an answer as soon as possible.

But the skipper did admit on Friday that Langer would understandably want an answer as soon as possible.

Cummins also admitted he could understand why people would feel Langer’s extension should be a formality after Australia’s success, but said it was important to evaluate his position.

“I think that is totally true,” Cummins said on SEN.

“But it’s also true that we have to run a process, and totally evaluate, and do what we’re always trying to do, improve and optimise the environment.

https://7news.com.au/sport/cricket/langer-faces-career-defining-day-as-coach-c-5560717

 

[volcyz]

Justin Langer saga drags on as Cricket Australia announces outcome of seven-hour meeting

The saga surrounding Justin Langer’s coaching future will drag on after Cricket Australia failed to reach a resolution on his future during a marathon board meeting.

Directors met throughout the business day in Melbourne on Friday, where Langer’s future was a priority after six months of speculation about his job.

Head of performance Ben Oliver was expected to present a recommendation to the board on the team’s direction, after meeting with both Langer and senior players.

However, by the time CEO Nick Hockley emerged at close to 6.30pm, officials had no resolution other than to continue talks with the coach.

“We had extensive discussions about Justin Langer’s contract,” Hockley said.

“We will now enter into confidential discussions with Justin and the outcome will be announced as soon as possible.

“I’m afraid I have no further comment at this stage.”

It means every possibility remains on the table, including severing ties with Langer early, offering him a new deal or even splitting the role between red and white-ball formats.

Australia have just three weeks until they leave for a Test tour of Pakistan, by which time Langer, support staff and players would surely want an answer.

Players will also be forced to face questions on the issue daily in the media next week when they enter camp for a five-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka.

Assistant coach Andrew McDonald will handle those matches, with Langer taking a pre-arranged rest before the trip to Pakistan.

On the field, Langer’s winning record is bettered only by John Buchanan since Australia started employing full-time coaches in 1985.

But the key sticking point with Langer has long been more about his intensity off the field than Australia’s results on it, with reports that it has negatively affected players.

It was after last summer’s second home defeat to India in three years that the pressure first began to mount on Langer.

White-ball series losses in West Indies and Bangladesh only added to that, before the situation seemingly reached boiling point last August amid claims he was too intense.
It prompted high-powered meetings between senior players and cricket administrators, with Langer agreeing to loosen his grip on the team.

Australia went on to claim their maiden T20 World Cup title in what was described by senior stars as a “player-driven” team environment.

The recent 4-0 Ashes domination that followed gave Langer hope of retaining his position, before last week’s meetings.

Senior players have largely opted not to comment publicly on the issue or if Langer should be retained, with captain Pat Cummins stating on Thursday that he didn’t want to add to the speculation.

But the skipper did admit on Friday that Langer would understandably want an answer as soon as possible.

Cummins also admitted he could understand why people would feel Langer’s extension should be a formality after Australia’s success, but said it was important to evaluate his position.

“I think that is totally true,” Cummins said on SEN.

“But it’s also true that we have to run a process, and totally evaluate, and do what we’re always trying to do, improve and optimise the environment.But the skipper did admit on Friday that Langer would understandably want an answer as soon as possible.

But the skipper did admit on Friday that Langer would understandably want an answer as soon as possible.

Cummins also admitted he could understand why people would feel Langer’s extension should be a formality after Australia’s success, but said it was important to evaluate his position.

“I think that is totally true,” Cummins said on SEN.

“But it’s also true that we have to run a process, and totally evaluate, and do what we’re always trying to do, improve and optimise the environment.

https://7news.com.au/sport/cricket/langer-faces-career-defining-day-as-coach-c-5560717

Why is old news from Feb 4th being posted?

 

[MenInG]

New CA boss’ concession on Langer saga

Newly elected Cricket Australia chair Lachlan Henderson has conceded the board’s handling of Justin Langer’s exit was “messy” and extended an olive branch to disgruntled former players.

In his first public appearance since being unanimously voted in by CA directors, Henderson announced there would be a review into the struggling Big Bash League, foreshadowing a shortening of the season, and said the appointment of an ethics commissioner was imminent.

After intense criticism over Langer’s departure from the national men’s coaching job, Henderson intimated the governing body may have erred in adhering to the post-Ashes timeline it had set for determining the former coach’s future.

CA’s refusal to make an earlier call on Langer combined with the Test great’s reluctance to accept his fate meant there was little chance for an amicable parting.

The saga resulted in CA being savaged by Langer’s teammates from the golden generation and also saw Pat Cummins and his charges accused of disloyalty for not doing more to support a coach they ultimately did not want.

“With any significant decision like that boards should reflect on the process that was involved,” Henderson said.

“It is unfortunate that a bit of that played out in the media and we’ll reflect on whether that should have been accelerated through the summer, but it was always our intention to make that decision at the end of the summer, and we followed that process.

“It got messy in terms of things playing out in the media.”

The Big Bash is set for changes in a bid to “renew and refresh” a domestic T20 league that has steadily declined in the past five years, but privatisation is not on the agenda.

A shorter season is being considered, a move which would be welcomed by players who believe the expansion to 61 games over more than two months has resulted in a bloated league and diluted on-field standards.

“There’s certainly a consideration that will be around shortening the season,” Henderson said. “We’ll work with players, states, broadcast partners to ensure whatever course we embark on for the Big Bash will be the right one for cricket.”

Henderson said he was “keen” to appoint an ethics commissioner early in his chairmanship. The role was one of the key recommendations of the root and branch ethics review into the game called after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

Having joined the CA board in late 2018, Henderson was first discussed as the directors’ preferred choice to replace the interim chair Richard Freudenstein during a meeting with the states in December last year during the Adelaide Ashes Test.

CA’s state association owners pushed back on this, asking for the governing body to consider external candidates. A subsequent process to do so – considering figures such as the former Link Group managing director John McMurtrie, the ex-Bunnings chief John Gillam and the Venues NSW and Greater Western Sydney Giants chair Tony Shepherd – appeared to have settled their concerns.

The decision to appoint Henderson, the Epworth Healthcare chief executive and a former chair of the WACA, follows the resignation of Earl Eddings on the eve of last year’s CA AGM, when he lost the voting support of three out of the six states – NSW, Queensland and Western Australia.

Since then, CA has seen the resignation of the men’s Test captain Tim Paine, replaced by Cummins, and the more recent exit of Langer. Both episodes were hotly debated in the public sphere.

Freudenstein has served in an interim capacity since then, navigating not only CA’s domestic responsibilities but also the first round of in-person meetings at ICC level since the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020.

When he joined the board in 2018, replacing Bob Every as a director after he quit abruptly during a year in which CA was subject to the cultural review that ultimately ended the term of Eddings’ predecessor David Peever, Henderson spoke of improving “connection” in the game.

In a statement on Thursday morning announcing his immediate appointment, Henderson said his focus was to continue the growth of the game, and ensure its continuing integrity.

“I’m really excited by the opportunities ahead. The CA board is relatively new, with seven of the nine members having been on the board for less than three-and-a-half years, and the imminent appointment of a new independent director will bring further fresh ideas and perspectives to the board,” Henderson said.

“My love of cricket began as a kid growing up in Perth and the game has always been a big part of my life, as a player, through my involvement with WA Cricket, the board of Cricket Australia and now as the elected chair.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with our states and territory cricket chairs and associations, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, our players and our partners, on how we unite and work together to ensure cricket continues to thrive into the future as Australia’s favourite sport.

“As chair, my aim is to ensure the integrity and growth of the game in Australia with strong governance embedded at Cricket Australia and reflected in all levels of cricket, from elite teams to community clubs.

“Among my other main priorities will be a focus on a strong, sustainable financial future for the game and building on the growth in our participation rates, particularly among girls and women, and our multicultural communities.”

Freudenstein will step down as interim chair immediately, and will remain as a director.

“The short-list of candidates for this role was outstanding but it was the unanimous opinion of the CA board that Lachlan was best suited to be our next chair,” Freudenstein said.

It is not yet clear how Henderson will manage his new role as CA chair with his responsibilities at Epworth Healthcare.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...-cricket-australia-chair-20220217-p59x9o.html

 

[MenInG]

Interim Australia coach Andrew McDonald says there were “a lot of mistruths” in reports, fuelled by comments made by Michael Vaughan, that he and a small group of Australian players went out of their way to meet in a pub in Hobart to discuss the future of Justin Langer before he resigned.

It comes as McDonald confirmed Steve Smith had been cleared to fly to Pakistan in the coming days after suffering a concussion and will likely feature in the first Test in Rawalpindi on March 4.

Last week Fox Sports published comments made by Vaughan, the former England skipper, in a podcast that was picked up by other news outlets.

“I know from close contacts ... in the England journalistic world that Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Andrew McDonald were caught having conversations in a pub in Hobart,” Vaughan said.

“My advice to Pat Cummins would be, if you’re going to have strong conversations and have conversations about the potential removing of your Australian cricket coach, who was in position at the time, don’t do it in a pub.

“That’s exactly how all these stories started. It was quite clear they wanted Justin Langer out and it was quite evident they were talking around the likes of Trevor Bayliss, [Michael] Di Venuto and Andrew McDonald was in that conversation as well.”

Vaughan made his comments days after Langer resigned following Cricket Australia’s offer of a six-month extension.

Headlines about a “busted chat” and “secret summit” inferred that players and McDonald had gone out of their way to meet and discuss Langer’s impending future before the fifth Ashes Test, when it appears the reality was more an impromptu chat than a ploy to oust the coach.

McDonald, who is the favourite to replace Langer as head coach, disputed the facts.

“I don’t think the story is entirely accurate ... a lot of mistruths to that story,” McDonald told the Herald and The Age. “I don’t know how those things take shape or come to light.”

McDonald said there were “more than four or five people there”, estimating there were up to “10 people” at any one time. He also stressed it was not an organised meeting.

“That’s probably where I end it,” McDonald said.

While the subject of Langer may have been broached, the Herald has been told by sources with knowledge of the situation that not all players mentioned by Vaughan were present. Some players are frustrated they were implicated.

Subsequent reports were published suggesting players wanted Bayliss to replace Langer. Bayliss said this week he had not been contacted by CA about the role.

Australian squad members gathered at the pub in Hobart on arrival from Sydney because their luggage had not arrived at the hotel.

Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for the three-Test tour of Pakistan and there is good news for Australia, with Smith making steady progress from the concussion he suffered while fielding in the second T20 international against Sri Lanka, which ruled him out for the remaining three fixtures.

“He’s in Melbourne, so he’s been cleared to fly [to Pakistan],” McDonald said. “He’s on the mend in terms of recovering from that concussion. We’ll just build him up slowly. He started light duties today. He’ll build that up and see how he responds to that activity.

“At this stage, assuming all goes well, he’ll be available for that first Test match.

“It’s something that’s familiar to him. He’s been there before. He’s got a pretty good handle on it, so that’s a positive out of a negative. Having concussion before, he knows what to expect and how to build up to a game.”

Langer saga overshadowed women’s Ashes. Will team now lose coach to the men?
McDonald said he hadn’t formally met with CA about the head coaching role and wouldn’t before the Pakistan tour begins next week.

An appointment is expected to be made by the end of next month, before the Pakistan series concludes. McDonald said the head coaching interview process would not be a distraction.

“I’ve very happy with whatever timelines [CA] want to work within,” he said. “It won’t become a distraction. That’ll be happening in the background. Our focus is firmly on the first Test in Rawalpindi.

“I haven’t had any conversations either way. It was just really bedding down the interim role until the end of Pakistan and getting to work on the preparation and working on the team. No conversations had anywhere.

“There’s no appetite for me to seek clarity at the moment [on the role] because of what we’ve got in front of us.

“I will work through it once we see what the job looks like. There’s been some speculation around split roles or whether it’s one coach. That’ll all come out.”

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...pub-meeting-about-langer-20220223-p59z2j.html

 

[transparent opacity]

CUMMINS HAPPY TO COP CRITICISM, BUT PLAYERS NOT ONLY TO BLAME FOR LANGER’S EXIT

February represented one of Pat Cummins’ toughest months in cricket.

Widely seen as the golden boy of Australian cricket for his exploits on the field and his demeanour off it, Cummins' appointment to the captaincy after the Tim Paine scandal was met with plenty of praise.

He proceeded to take the most wickets in the Ashes, despite missing the second Test, and would have been on top of the world after retaining the coveted trophy in a 4-1 series triumph.

However, Justin Langer’s resignation earlier this month brought about previously unseen criticism of Cummins and his role in the coach’s exit, the 28-year-old needing to go on the defensive for the first time in his career.

He was credited with a strong press conference in the wake of Langer’s exit, and Cummins said he tried not to let the criticism get to him.

“It was okay, I felt for Justin as much as anyone else, but I knew when I became captain I was going to cop it for different things,” he told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“If anything, it kind of reminded me I’ve got to look after the team and do what’s best for Australian cricket.

“All the noise and things that might come with it come from a good place, but I can’t let it affect me too much.”

The criticism of Cummins and teammates revolved around the belief that Langer’s exit was player-driven, something no party is yet to fully deny.

The former opener’s resignation letter acknowledged he loved his job, and his success in recent months should have guaranteed a contract extension greater than the six-month deal he was offered.

Shane Warne blamed the “NSW mafia” behind forcing Langer out, however Cummins refuted suggestions the players were the sole reason.

“Certainly our feedback was heard, as I think it should be,” he continued.

“But to say that we are decision-makers is quite far from the truth. It’s a high-performance setup, there’s the board that makes decisions, so of course, people within the environment get consulted, that includes senior players, staff members, which I think has always been the case.

“I think that’s the right way to do things, it’s healthy. Nothing untoward, for sure.”

Andrew McDonald has taken over in the interim role and has earned praise from Aaron Finch and Scott Boland for his impacts on the group.

Cummins added his appraisal to that of his teammates’ and cleared up the murky situation surrounding the timeline of appointing the new coach.

“I think he’s certainly capable (to be the full-time coach), for sure,” he added.

“(It's) certainly not my decision, I think they’ll run a process probably after this series, so we’ll see how he goes.

“But he’s been fantastic, he’s widely respected and experienced, so if he puts his hand up I’m sure they’ll take a close look at him.”

Cummins and McDonald will lead Australia on a historic tour of Pakistan next month, the first time Australia has toured the Asian nation since 1998.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/02...sm-but-players-not-only-to-blame-for-langers/

 

[transparent opacity]

There is more tension in the ranks of the Australian cricket team, with players angered by the shock axing of their popular and highly respected physio on the eve of the tour of Pakistan.

The departure of David Beakley is yet another change to the Australian team hierarchy, but what sets this one apart is the players didn’t want him to leave.

Players and team staff were blindsided by a Wednesday email from team performance boss Ben Oliver announcing Beakley was being moved on, just three days before he was due to fly with the Australians to Pakistan on Saturday for the historic tour.

After player power was blamed for the demise of coach Justin Langer, sources around the team are now privately querying whether the brutal and mysterious exit of Beakley – so tight with the players and fast bowlers in particular – might in some way resemble a thinly veiled statement back, that players don’t run the show.

News Corp understands that some in the set-up may have even questioned Oliver whether this is the case.

CA has strongly denied Beakley’s departure is anything more than a change in direction.

Numerous sources have confirmed players are stunned and extremely disappointed at Beakley’s sudden sacking, and bewildered at the lack of explanation they feel they’ve received from Oliver as to why the change has been made.

Retired Australian Test fast bowler James Pattinson has been out of the team set-up for some time and isn’t aware of the circumstances surrounding Beakley’s departure but admits he was shocked that a physio so well-respected by his primary patients – the bowlers – would be let go.

“He is a great guy and a good physio. It’s surprising to see him get moved on,” Pattinson told News Corp.

“I know a lot of the fast bowlers were pretty close with him and that’s usually what you want. Fast bowlers spend the most time in the physio room. I was pretty shocked by it but I don’t really know anything else apart from that.”

Oliver informed players and staff in an email on Wednesday – the day Beakley was due to join camp in Melbourne – that a sudden change was taking part to the touring party for Pakistan, with Tasmanian physio Brendan Wilson a last-minute call-up for Beakley who was departing.

“This message is to advise that David Beakley will be finishing up in his role as Physiotherapist with the Australian men’s team this week,” wrote Oliver in an email sent to high performance and national team staff and CA contracted players on Wednesday, and seen by News Corp.

“Following assessment of the team’s needs, and review of the requirements to support these needs, it has been determined that change in the role of Physiotherapist is in the best interests of the team and Australian cricket moving forward.”

It’s highly unusual for a physiotherapist to be moved on from their role unless they lose the key support of coaches or the players they treat. Or there had been a trend of injuries.

But that’s not the case with Australia, whose fast bowlers have generally been kept in good health over recent years, and Beakley – in the role since 2015 – has continued to share a close relationship with quicks and also caretaker coach, Andrew McDonald.


There is lingering tension between players and Oliver, who was close with Langer, with their previous working relationship in Western Australia part of the foundation for his appointment as CA’s head of team performance.

Oliver said in a statement to News Corp that a decision was made to move in a new direction.

“David is an experienced and accomplished practitioner who will no doubt continue to have an impact in High Performance sport,” said Oliver.

“It has been determined however that change in the role of Physiotherapist is in the best interests of Australian cricket at this time and moving forward.

“We thank David for his service and wish him and his family the very best for the future.”

Pakistan is a heavy duty Test tour where caring for the aches and pains of the bowlers in hot, oppressive conditions – so soon after a long Ashes summer – will be paramount.

Pattinson, who suffered regular injuries throughout his career said Beakley was one of the best physios he has dealt with in cricket.

“It was obviously a bit of a shock. It’s been a shock a lot of the things that has happened lately,” he said.

“I’m out of the loop a bit now, so I’m not sure what’s happened, but all the experiences I’ve had with him have been fantastic. He’s been up there with one of the best physios I’ve had.”

(Dailytelegraph)

 

[MenInG]

Sacked Cricket Australia physio David Beakley has reportedly sued the organisation over his dismissal days out from a tour of Pakistan.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Beakley was settled out of court by CA, who sacked its long-term employee amid the fallout from Justin Langer’s resignation.

Neither Beakley’s lawyer, or CA, were able to discuss the matter with the publication due to a confidentiality agreement.

Watch Every Game of The 2022 Indian Premier League Finals on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Nonetheless, CA stood by its high-performance manager Ben Oliver, whose relationship with players was thought to be on shaky ground at the time of Beakley’s sacking.

“There is no formal review underway or planned for our high-performance division,” CA said in a statement.

“Our approach is one of continuous improvement as normal practice - as demonstrated by arguably the most successful summer in our teams’ history.

“Naturally, we are delighted with the results, supported by our high-performance department and the contribution of many across Australian cricket.”

Beakley was a popular figure in the Australian dressing room, and players were blindsided by his departure that came days out from the first Test against Pakistan earlier this year.

The Daily Telegraph reported at the time that players were angered by the decision, and may have questioned Oliver if it was a power move by CA to show who was in charge.

It came at a time that questions were being asked over the amount of power players had after Langer was pushed aside at the request of some senior figures.

Oliver reportedly proposed that Langer be awarded a two-year contract renewal, but he was only offered a six-month extension, which he turned down.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...r/news-story/8793cfd8df3279c4ce956d1e320955f4

 

[PakistanMeriJaan]

India’s bunny. His legacy as a coach will be defined by losing two home series to India and for building a team that is proper scared of playing India.

This post is about Justin Langer and in your two sentence post you’ve managed to mention India 3x. Some relevance please.

 

[silentkiller187]

Justin Langer says internal politics at Cricket Australia are the reason he left as head coach of the men's side.

He resigned in February having been offered a six-month contract extension after humiliating England in the Ashes and winning the Twenty20 World Cup.

"Ironically, the last six months of my coaching career were the most enjoyable period of 12 years," he said.

"Not only did we win everything, but I had energy, and I had focus, and I was happy - besides the politics."

Langer has spoken for the first time about leaving the role, and criticised then-acting chairman of Cricket Australia, Richard Freudenstein.

He told a chamber of commerce event in Perth about a meeting he had with Freudenstein the day after his acrimonious split.

"The first thing he said to me was, 'It must make you feel so good that all your mates are supporting you in the media'," Langer said, according to Cricket Australia's website.

Former team-mates of Langer, including Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and the late Shane Warne, had been vocal about the way he was being treated by CA.

"I said, 'Yeah it is, acting chairman, but with all due respect, those mates are also the all-time greats of Australian cricket. They are the fabric of Australian cricket. They are Australian cricket. They also work all around the world in cricket. So yeah, I'm glad my mates are looking after me. Imagine if you had have'.

Cricket Australia admitted at the time of his departure there had been some "challenging, robust and direct" conversations around the "evolving" head coach role.

Reports in Australia had suggested some players were unhappy with Langer's leadership style.

The 51-year-old was linked with the then-vacant England coaching job after quitting Australia. But he said it was never in his mind to take the role and leading his former rivals.

"I've never spoken to English cricket," he said. "The thought of coaching England... mate!"

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/61576108

 

[wrongun]

Justin Langer not. bitter. at. all...

And his 3 media/player mates who supported him= all cricket all over the world apparently?

He was a **** to work with over the long run and the team couldn't wait to be rid of him.

The entitlement stinks. It's the captains team now, not yours. Never was. Seeya mate.

 

[James]

Realllly glad he never contacted England.

Sounds like a prize tool.

 

[MenInG]

Pat Cummins has reportedly begun a campaign to heal the apparent divide in Australian cricket between current players and the nation’s greats.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Cummins met with Adam Gilchrist this week in what is expected to be the first of a number of meetings to cool any potential tensions.

According to the publication, current Cricket Australia players and staff believe there is an “agenda” against the team since Justin Langer was pushed out the door in February.

A number of greats, including Gilchrist, the late great Shane Warne, and Matthew Hayden went in to bat for Langer when he was offered only a six-month contract renewal, which he turned down.

More recently, Australia’s failed T20 World Cup campaign has reopened the door to discussion about Langer’s messy departure.

Mark Waugh wrote for The Daily Telegraph on Wednesday: “Justin Langer may be gone, but his shadow still hangs over Australian cricket.”

Cummins has now reportedly extended the olive branch to begin clearing the air with prominent Australian figures.

Multiple sources close to the topic told SMH that Cummins is likely to have a number of chats with other greats over the summer.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith defended coach Andrew McDonald on Friday as pressure on the new coach grew after the World Cup.

“I think it’s good that you can have a relationship with the coach and be able to speak honestly and openly about whatever you’re going through and selections and all that kind of stuff,” Smith said.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricke...e/news-story/9008de99b51a1a7bac6d323abdefdf39

 

[Firebat]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I spoke to Pat Cummins. He said to me about five times, ‘This might be brutally honest.’ I said, ‘Pat, there is nothing brutal about your feedback. What is brutal is I'm hearing it behind my back through the media or through sources.’<br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/WillSchofield?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WillSchofield</a> <a href="https://t.co/mxEdeh4kRH">https://t.co/mxEdeh4kRH</a></p>— CODE Cricket (@codecricketau) <a href="https://twitter.com/codecricketau/status/1595136403989745665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Former Australia coach Justin Langer Wednesday hit out at the anonymous "cowards" who leaked against him in the lead-up to his resignation, while admitting he should have cultivated a better relationship with the sport's governing body. The 52-year-old walked away from his job in February after failing to secure the public support of key players and following acrimonious contract talks with Cricket Australia. He was unhappy at being offered only a six-month extension despite steering Australia to a 4-0 Ashes victory over England in 2021 and then to Twenty20 World Cup glory the same year.

In the run-up to his departure, disgruntled players complained anonymously to Australian media about his intense "headmaster-like" coaching style, something he still bristles about.

"Everyone was being nice to my face but I was reading about this stuff, and half of it ... I could not believe that is what was making the papers," he told Code Sports.

"A lot of journalists use the word 'source'. I would say, change that word to 'coward'. A coward says, not a source.

"Because what do you mean 'a source says'? They've either got an axe to grind with someone and they won't come and say it to your face, or they're just leaking stuff for their own agenda."

Langer took the job in 2018 with Australian cricket at its lowest ebb for decades in the wake of a cheating affair, and was credited with restoring pride in the beloved baggy green cap.

But grumblings about his micromanaging began to surface about 12 months out from his eventual sacking.

Langer, who will commentate on TV during the Australian Test summer that starts against the West Indies next week, insisted he listened and improved his ways, but was still forced out.

"The hardest thing for me of all of it was: I got the feedback (and) I did something about it," he said.

"We won the T20 World Cup, we won the Ashes. We were number one in the world. I've never enjoyed coaching more and I've still got sacked. That's the hardest thing."

Langer said his biggest regret was his lack of relationship with Cricket Australia's board.

"I talked to the Cricket Australia board three times in four years. That's craziness. And that's the only thing I'd do differently," he said.

"Because when you know people haven't got your back, there is no lonelier place in the world. When you do know people have got your back, there's no more powerful place in the world. And that's what I would have done differently."

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/the...ger-opens-up-on-being-sacked-as-coach-3545200

 

[wrongun]

Former Australia coach Justin Langer Wednesday hit out at the anonymous "cowards" who leaked against him in the lead-up to his resignation, while admitting he should have cultivated a better relationship with the sport's governing body.
"Because when you know people haven't got your back, there is no lonelier place in the world. When you do know people have got your back, there's no more powerful place in the world. And that's what I would have done differently."

https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/the...ger-opens-up-on-being-sacked-as-coach-3545200

There is an absolute media war going on here. One set of newspapers prints the pro Langer puff pieces, the other lot print anti Langer stories.

It's pretty hard for Langer to say "no one told me to my face" when Kwahaja (and FInch to a lesser extent) are literally on film in a documentary filmed during Langer's first year in charge telling him exactly that he is too hot headed and the players are scared to go near him and feel like they are "walking on eggshells" every time he is around... Kwahaja of course dropped not long afterward...

Then basically every year after that he was told the exact same thing in reviews, told himself directly by Tim Paine- who says Langer didn't exactly take it on board... eventually it seems players just got tired of his ways and tired of trying to tell him.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...olatility-multiple-times-20221123-p5c0k9.html

 

[MenInG]

CA chief Hockley rejects Langer’s version of history

Justin Langer’s tenure as Australian men’s head coach ended after he was handed feedback from two separate independent reviews and multiple additional requests to tone down his volatility, stretching across virtually his entire four-year reign.

In an interview published by News Corp on Wednesday morning, Langer claimed he had been left blindsided, thinking he was doing all the right things as coach, before stories began emerging about how the team was being worn out by his mood swings and volatility.

Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia’s chief executive, responded by confirming multiple rounds of feedback had been handed to Langer, and saying he was disappointed by comments “unfairly criticising some of our players”.

“We have not commented to date other than to correct inaccuracies, of which there are a number in Justin’s comments,” Hockley said on Wednesday. “Regular formal and informal opportunities to provide and receive feedback took place throughout his tenure, which is consistent with a high performance environment. Following a comprehensive process, Justin was offered a short-term contract extension, which he rejected.

“I am disappointed by Justin’s comments unfairly criticising some of our players. The playing group are aware they have my full support. After an excellent performance against England in the one-day international series, we are fully focussed on an exciting Test series against the West Indies and South Africa, with the first Test starting at Perth Stadium next Wednesday.”

After the second of the two formal reviews, conducted by the leadership expert Tim Ford, and then a difficult tour of the West Indies and Bangladesh in the winter of 2021, Langer was fronted by then captains Tim Paine, Aaron Finch and deputy Pat Cummins.

“The hardest thing for me of all of it was: I got the feedback [and] I did something about it,” Langer said. “We won the T20 World Cup, we won the Ashes. We were No. 1 in the world. I’ve never enjoyed coaching more and I’ve still got sacked. That’s the hardest thing.

“Because you can’t give someone feedback, do something about it, and then that to happen.”

But there had been evidence of change being required as early as 2018, Langer’s first year in charge. It was captured on the Amazon documentary, The Test, as Langer struggling to accept feedback delivered by Paine and Usman Khawaja about how the team was “walking on eggshells” around him.

In early 2019, a process to “reintegrate” Steve Smith and David Warner after their Newlands bans, led by Ford, effectively became a de facto review of the team environment and the volatility of Langer, who is seen in the documentary saying 2019 would be his year of “letting go”.

Paine has subsequently related in his autobiography that there were more questions raised about Langer and his then assistants after the team was heavily criticised by their coaches on the day after the 2019 Ashes series ended in a 2-2 draw following defeat at the Oval.

“JL was cranky the day after the Test,” Paine wrote in The Price Paid. “We were told to be in the team room at 11am and we all turned up in our casual clothes because we’d been on tour for months and we just wanted to go and have a beer as a group before heading our separate ways.

“We thought it was going to be a quick debrief about flights and checking out of the hotel but nah, the first thing that happened was we were kept waiting for 45 minutes while the staff finished their meeting and we were pretty cranky about that and then they came in and told us what we didn’t do well in that game.

“There is a time and place for that, but it wasn’t then. It should have been a focus on the positives, about the strides we’d made, that no one thought we were any good and yet we did what other teams hadn’t achieved, but they wanted to focus on the negatives.”

CA’s high-performance department, led by Pat Howard when Langer took over, followed by interim Belinda Clark and then incumbent Ben Oliver, conducts reviews of players and staff at regular intervals.

Another of those reviews took place after the 2020-21 home Test series defeat to India, again presenting feedback to Langer that he needed to change his ways around the team. Paine has related how, after he had addressed the team to keep the result in perspective against the backdrop of COVID-19 and tight biosecurity bubbles, he was confronted by an angry Langer.

Ford’s second review was conducted before the West Indies and Bangladesh tours, but unrest was so strong that CA’s chief executive Nick Hockley and then chair Earl Eddings were forced to call an emergency meeting with Paine, Finch and Cummins when the team returned to Australia.

As a result of those meetings, Langer sat in the background for subsequent World Cup and Ashes campaigns, handing responsibility to the team captains and assistant coaches Andrew McDonald and Michael Di Venuto. In February this year, he resigned after declining the offer of a six-month contract extension.

Langer, a West Coast Eagles board director, also lashed out at reporting of the issues within the team during his time as coach.

“Everyone was being nice to my face but I was reading about this stuff and half of it, I swear to God and on my kids’ lives, I could not believe that is what was making the papers,” Langer said in the News Corp interview, with former West Coast premiership player Will Schofield. “A lot of journalists use the word ‘source’. I would say, change that word to ‘coward’.

“A coward says, not a source. Because what do you mean a source says? They’ve either got an axe to grind with someone and they won’t come and say it to your face, or they’re just leaking stuff for their own agenda. I hate that.”

Cricket Australia has been contacted for comment.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricke...olatility-multiple-times-20221123-p5c0k9.html

 

[James]

Langer seems like the sort of bloke who could fry an egg on his forehead. Has an out of date autocratic leadership style that belongs in the past.

 

[ghaint]

Seems like it was a generational problem - Langer’s old school tough guy approach would not work his new generation wards born in 90s and millennials.

 

[Markhor]

Been reading some of the commentary online. Langer has not been holding back. To be honest, anyone who saw the Amazon documentary could see Langer's man-management was a ticking timebomb.

Hard to square with his comments he's actually introverted and quiet !

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cri...rst-inflames-player-feud-20221123-p5c0og.html

“I’m very self-aware,” Langer told the BackChat Sports Show. “My greatest weakness without question is that I hate losing. I did as a player, I did as a coach. It’s different in footy. And this happened when I coached Western Australia as well. When we lose I go quiet because I’m actually very introverted. I’m a thinker, I’m curious, I wonder how we can get better, so I go very quiet.

“I don’t rant and rave and get angry, but I go very quiet. And then people, when I go quiet, because I’m meant to be the tough guy, even though I’ve got four beautiful kids, I love them, I love my garden, I love meditating, I’m the tough guy. That’s perception, he’s the martial artist and all that sort of ****. So when I go quiet people go ‘oh he’s not approachable’ and I go ‘yeah ok, that’s just after the game, give me 24 hours to absorb it all and work out how we can get better.’

“Yeah I’m quiet, I’m not a ranter and raver, I don’t get angry, or very rarely get angry. That’s not my style. But I go quiet and I know that, that’s my weakness. And the players go ‘oh yeah he’s angry, he’s intense’, I’m just thinking. Then I’ll go away and meditate the next day and then I’m up and back into it. That’s my weakness. And it’s very hard to change your personality.”

 

[Savak]

According to reports, Mickey Arthur and Justin Langer have been contacted by the PCB for the head coach role.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

According to reports, Mickey Arthur and Justin Langer have been contacted by the PCB for the head coach role.

Both are upgrades over Saqi, who was great for our spinners, but more of a man manager than a tactical coach.

Mickey I like, in that he’ll bring on our batters, but he’s been with us already, i don’t know if second time will be the charm.

Justin just won’t jive, either our players or with the upper brass.

Both are headmasterly types, and I genuinely believe that Pakistan needs its own coach that can allow them to truly, proactively play with the hand brakes off.

I don’t know how much coaching he’s done, or if he would ever say yes, but I’d love love love for us to aggressively pursue Eoin Morgan.

 

[Markhor]

According to reports, Mickey Arthur and Justin Langer have been contacted by the PCB for the head coach role.

If Sethi rehires Mickey, sacks Babar, and sees sense by not reviving the relic of departmental cricket - that would be a terrific start to his tenure.

 

[ElRaja]

If Sethi rehires Mickey, sacks Babar, and sees sense by not reviving the relic of departmental cricket - that would be a terrific start to his tenure.

mickey loves babar, he wont want him sacked. departmental cricket is deffo coming back given ppl make money from it. i think a more realistic scenario would be, get a good coach, ensure babar is below him in the pecking order for strategy and selection, and if departmental cricket is revived, revive it as a the patrons trophy in april and leave the regional six team comp as is.

 

[ex-q-zit]

‘Broke my heart’: Langer reveals cricket ‘killer’ that could end coaching career forever

Justin Langer says he may never coach again following his acrimonious exit from Cricket Australia.

The former Australia coach said that aspects of being in the top job “literally broke” his heart, while some scars may never heal.

Langer led Australia in the aftermath of the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, but his intense management style and reported moodswings grated on the playing group.

Crisis talks in mid-2021 saw him take a backwards step and the results flowed with Australia winning the T20 World Cup that year, and the Ashes 4-0 over the summer.

But Langer was only offered a six-month contract renewal which he rejected, realising that the writing was on the wall at Jolimont.

Speaking to the Cricket Et Cetera podcast, Langer revealed that the experience might be enough to turn him off coaching forever.

“I don’t think I’ll coach again. No, I don’t think I’ll coach again,” said Langer, who was a highly-successful coach with Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers before taking the national job.

“The craziness is – and it’s really strange in cricket – if you think about a lot of the other codes, the best coaches are a lot older. It doesn’t make sense in cricket.

“I say I’m not going to coach again, but I reckon I’m 10 years off being the best coach I could be. I honestly reckon – because things don’t shock you, things don’t surprise you (the more experienced you get).”

Langer was sounded out to coach England after he was pushed aside by Australia, while the Daily Telegraph reports he could have led the Hobart Hurricanes this BBL season, but he wasn’t ready.

He was raw and emotional in the podcast with The Australian’s Peter Lalor and Gideon Haigh, telling the duo that the narrative around his exit was too hard to take..

“The hardest thing about my last 12 months, and I say it hand on heart, was there was this narrative that I hated the players or the players hated me back. That literally broke my heart,” Langer said.

“Everything I’ve done for literally the whole time – when I was in Western Australia coaching the Scorchers, when I was with Phil Hughes when I first started and with Steve Smith, I came up with them as kids (when I was) an assistant coach (was because I loved the players)

“Some of the players may not have liked my style. I am serious, I can be intense. But they know how much I loved them and they loved me back.

“I kept reading this narrative and it literally broke my heart.

“That’s why when you ask if I’ll be a better coach next time, for my family I am not sure I can go through that again.”

Langer also insisted that he still has “very special relationships” with players from the Australian group.

He added: “My kids love me unconditionally. As a coach sometimes you have to do that. You’ve got to pull them into line. You have to have the bigger picture in mind.

“Some people aren’t going to like that and because they’re not your kids they’re going to say ‘well he’s disposable’.

“That’s fine. That’s life. But that’s the killer.”

Fox Sports

 

[James]

Justin needs to let some time elapse to heal his wounds and come back in the future. He would be a loss to the game if he did not coach again. There also need to be some reflections on his own style which clearly did not suit every player.

 

[Savak]

Langer seriously needs to stop being a sook. He is coming across as emotionally unprofessional now. No one has the right to hold on to a job forever and every coach has a shelf life.

No team will bother even offering him the role again if he can't handle the fact that his services are no longer required.

Mickey Arthur could have said a lot worse about the manner in which he was let go by Cricket Australia and later the PCB but he kept mum.

 

[volcyz]

He loves talking all about ‘me me me me me’

 

[MenInG]

More importantly - bad news for Pakistan as he is not available for coaching it seems.