Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins, has broken his silence on Justin Langer’s resignation, defending his teammates against former players who criticised the handling of the head coach’s departure and asserting the need for a “more collaborative approach”.
In a long statement issued before offering further clarity in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Cummins thanked Langer for his “significant” legacies and said his often-cited “intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards”.
“Justin has acknowledged that his style was intense. And it was,” Cummins wrote. “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.”
Speaking to media shortly afterwards, the fast bowler said Langer “tweaked his coaching style the last six months” since last year’s crisis meeting and “did a really, really good job”. However, he said the playing group had questioned whether these changes were feasible in the long term and sensed “now is the right time for a different direction”.
“I think this group looking forward, a few things through the review process we really wanted and found important to get the best out of our players is I think the players benefit from a more collaborative approach,” Cummins said.
“A big theme this summer was to be more calm, more composed. That’s been the feedback from the players, staff and Cricket Australia that’s the direction we want to take the team.”
He also said he did not believe Langer would be surprised by this player feedback over a long period.
“It’s difficult. Really difficult. I think being in a public role is always going to come with some commentary and scrutiny around the coaches,” he said. “I know cricket Australia wanted to run a thorough process and give it its due course.
“Of course, I think especially JL, he felt at the end of it, he hasn’t been fairly treated. That’s not on. And I hope we can learn from that. I’d say I don’t think he should be surprised by it. It’s been two years of evaluations.”
In his statement, Cummins said Cricket Australia had made a “brave call” in only offering Langer a short-term contract extension but clarified the playing group would have accepted whatever decision the governing body made.
He also directly addressed former players who have spoken out in support of their former Test teammate and friend.
“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,” he said. “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.”
