Justin Langer stepped down as the head coach of the men’s team earlier this month despite leading the team to a historic title win at the T20 World Cup last year and a 4-0 Ashes triumph in January. Regarding this issue Many former Aussie cricketers have openly criticized Cricket Australia for their decision. Even Test skipper Pat Cummins has also come under the scanner.
Meanwhile Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins has broken his silence four days after Justin Langer’s departure. He said that there was never any issue with the coach’s “intensity” but the side needed a “calmer” and “more collaborative” approach. Cummins stated that the apology from Langer over his intense coaching style was “unnecessary” because it came from a good place.
Several experts and former cricketers have criticized Cummins and his teammates for orchestrating Langer’s departure since. While acknowledging their position, Cummins stated that while he appreciates it, he will continue to support his teammates. Cummins has addressed saga via a statement released on his behalf by CA.
“There has been much public comment since Justin Langer’s resignation as the coach of the Australian cricket team,” Cummins said in the statement. “For good reason, I haven’t made public comment before today. To speak about a decision, which was yet to be made and which is for Cricket Australia to make, would have put Cricket Australia and the team in an impossible position. I’d never do that. I believe in respecting the sanctity of the change room and proper process.”
“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 came from a good place ‘ his fierce love of Australia and the baggy green ‘ something which has served Australian cricket well for three decades. 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,” Cummins added.
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,” Cummins said. 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,” Cummins added.