The likes of Mitchell Johnson and Ricky Ponting had lashed out at CA officials for not recognizing Langer’s efforts and contributions.
In what can be called a sensational revelation, former Australian head coach Justin Langer got engaged in a heated argument with interim Cricket Australia chairman Richard Freudenstein following his resignation earlier this year. The southpaw was offered a short-term extension in February which he refused. Notably, several reports stated that Langer’s intensity caused unrest in the dressing room and many senior players weren’t pleased with the same.
As Langer wasn’t offered a substantial contract, the Australian cricket fraternity went berserk with former cricketers coming out in the southpaw’s defense. The likes of Mitchell Johnson and Ricky Ponting lashed out at CA officials for not recognizing Langer’s efforts and contributions. Even several senior players of the team also came under the scanner.
The last six months of my coaching career were the most enjoyable period: Justin Langer
Throwing more light on the episode, Langer recalled his heated conversation with Freudenstein after his resignation. “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 said while speaking at a Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA event in Perth on Wednesday (May 25).
“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.
Langer further talked about the ‘politics’ in the camp and how it affected his job. “Not only did we win everything, but I had energy, and I had focus, and I was happy — besides the bulls*** politics.” Meanwhile, the former Aussie opener has been replaced by Andrew McDonald, who also served as interim coach after Langer’s exit.
