In the wake of Justin Langer stepping down as Australia’s head coach, Test captain Pat Cummins voiced the players’ perspective in a statement released this morning.
Cummins began by thanked Langer for the role he played in restoring the honour and respect that has long been a pillar of Australian cricket.
“On behalf of the players, I thank Justin,” the statement read.
“We owe him a lot and Justin will be a welcome face in the change room in the future.”
He commented on Langer’s well-documented intense nature but insisted that he and his teammates had little issue with it.
“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,” Cummins said.
“The players were OK with [Langer’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 … Justin’s intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards.”
Cummins, however, felt as though a fresh style would better serve the team moving forward.
“We have been very well schooled in how to play cricket in the right way – in the correct Australian way,” he said.
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“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.”
Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting and Mitchell Johnson are among the Australian greats who have leapt to Langer’s defence.
Cummins finished his statement with message to those who have made their opinions be known on the actions of him and his teammates.
“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,” it read.
“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.”
As Cricket Australia continue their search for the team’s next head coach, the players are preparing for a busy year ahead which begins with a three-Test showdown in Pakistan next month.
