News

Angry Langer blames politics for quitting as Australia coach

May 26, 2022 02:09 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

Justin Langer has blamed "politics" for contributing to his exit as Australian cricket coach despite guiding the team to an Ashes thrashing of England and the Twenty20 World Cup crown.

The 51-year-old walked away from the job in February after failing to secure the public support of key players and following acrimonious contract talks with governing body Cricket Australia (CA).

He was unhappy at being offered only a six-month extension despite steering Australia to a 4-0 Ashes victory at the start of the year and the T20 title in the United Arab Emirates in 2021.

Australian cricket greats including Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh and the late Shane Warne jumped to his defence, taking umbrage at the way he was being treated.

But in the run-up to his departure disgruntled players had complained anonymously to Australian media about his intense coaching style.

In his first comments since, a still-bristling Langer detailed a heated conversation with CA's then-interim chairman Richard Freudenstein the day after he quit.

"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 was quoted by cricket.com.au, CA's digital arm, as telling a chamber of commerce event in Perth on Wednesday.

"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.'

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

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

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 their beloved baggy green cap.

He was replaced by Andrew McDonald, with Langer immediately linked to the England coaching position after Chris Silverwood stepped down after their disastrous Ashes campaign.

But Langer insisted he never considered the role.

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



Most Read

  1. Maryam Nawaz can wear uniform! Maryam Nawaz can wear uniform!
  2. Here is all about Madiha Rizvi’s second husband Here is all about Madiha Rizvi’s second husband
  3. Madiha Rizvi ties the knot again Madiha Rizvi ties the knot again
  4. Zara Noor Abbas inspired by Rani Mukerji Zara Noor Abbas inspired by Rani Mukerji
  5. Two patients die, injuries of 12 others multiplied after roof collapse at Gujrat hospital Two patients die, injuries of 12 others multiplied after roof collapse at Gujrat hospital
  6. Humayun Saeed and Saboor Aly under fire for close interaction in public Humayun Saeed and Saboor Aly under fire for close interaction in public

Opinion

  1. Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir
    Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir

    By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai

  2. Islamabad becoming the hub of international diplomacy
    Islamabad becoming the hub of international diplomacy

    By Salim Bokhari

  3. Insights into the Pakistan Stock Exchange's Recent Record High Triumph
    Insights into the Pakistan Stock Exchange's Recent Record High Triumph

    By Zulfiqar Ali Mir

  4. IMEC to sabotage CPEC
    IMEC to sabotage CPEC

    By Dr Asif Channer

  5. 1947 TO FORM 47
    1947 TO FORM 47

    By Dr Asif Channer

  6. Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....
    Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....

    By Ali Ramay