Australia news: Former coach Justin Langer opens up on resignation

Former Australia coach Justin Langer has broken his silence following his resignation from the role earlier this month.

Langer had guided Australia to their first T20 World Cup and seen them to another retention of the Ashes but quit after it became apparent that he didn’t have the full backing of the team and the board.

Test skipper Pat Cummins and other prominent players would not endorse Langer for an extension of his contract and the coach believed it would be best for him to refuse an offer from Cricket Australia.

Langer posted a statement to his LinkedIn page on Sunday 6 February.

Justin Langer delivers statement

“It is said that in any venture, if you leave things in a better place that when you started then you have done your job,” Justin Langer wrote.

“Whilst it is not up to me to judge, I hope Australians respect what has been achieved over the last four years in Australian cricket.

“From day one I believed it was possible to both win and play the game in the spirit that is now expected from our supporters. For the last four years it has been proven this can be achieved and I am very proud of the team for their efforts on and off the cricket field. I hope we have made Australians proud and earned respect from countries around the world.

“There has been a great deal of media speculation on my future as the Australian Men’s cricket coach over the last 12 months and this has taken an enormous toll on my family. I hope through this time, and throughout my tenure, I have held myself with integrity and dignity.”

Short term contract refused

Langer revealed that he was offered a short-term deal, while he had hoped for another long-term contract.

“On Friday night, I was offered a short-term contract until the end of the T20 World Cup in Australia, with the sentiment of ‘going out on a high’,” Justin Langer added.

“After careful consideration I have decided not to accept this contract renewal, and as a result I believe it is in everyone’s best interests for the Australian cricket team to begin the next chapter immediately.”

Langer acknowledged media reports suggesting he didn’t have the backing of the players.

“If media reports are correct, several senior players and a couple of support staff don’t support me moving forward, and it is now apparent the CA Board and CEO, Nick Hockley, are also keen to see the team move in another direction. I respect that decision.

“My life has been built on values of honesty, respect, trust, truth, and performance and if that comes across as “too intense” at times, I apologise.”

Justin Langer goes out on a high

Langer is happy that at least he leaves Australia as T20 World champions and in possession of the Ashes.

“In terms of ‘going out on a high’, I am blessed to have been a part of a T20 World Cup winning squad, an Ashes winning squad, watched the Test team rise to #1 ranked team in the world today, been selected as the Wisden Coach of the Year and been elevated to the Australian cricket Hall of Fame; all this in the last six months,” he added.

“I am grateful that I today leave the team on a high.

“Australian cricket means the world to me. It has since I was a kid, and I am grateful for the opportunity to play for, and coach our national team.

“I am thankful to the Board for the opportunity, and I will take with me many cherished memories and friendships from the last four years.

“Hopefully a good job has been done and I wish the team every success for the future.”