Lack of player and board support says Justin Langer in resignation letter
Former Australia coach Justin Langer in his resignation letter to Cricket Australia stated that he was aware that certain senior players did not want him to stay on as coach, and that speculation over his tenure had taken a toll on his family.
Cricket Australia had accepted men’s team head coach Justin Langer resignation. “Justin was offered a short-term extension to his current contract, which sadly he has opted not to accept,” stated an official Cricket Australia release.
Langer stated in his resignation letter:
“Having been away from home since the first week of October, yesterday was a tumultuous day, and with quarantine restrictions now that I am back I am unable to do anything publicly at the moment, but I want people to know I am happy with my decision and proud of what I have achieved,” Langer stated as reported by ‘The Australian’ newspaper.
“Last 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’. 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. 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 you Nick, are also keen to see the team move in another direction. I respect that decision,” he added.
Justin’s contract extension was the result of a thorough review process that evaluated a number of factors. Including the team’s future needs and the approaching large fixture schedule. The CA Board approved the extension, which was presented to Justin last night. It included the opportunity to defend their T20 World Cup title in Australia later this year.
“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,” Langer stated further in his resignation email.
“My life has built on values of honesty, respect, trust, truth, and performance. And if that comes across as ‘too intense’ at times, I apologize. It is said that in any venture, if you leave things in a better place. Than when you started then you have done your job,” he added.
“In terms of ‘going out on a high’. Blessed to have 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. He also selected as the Wisden Coach of the Year. And elevated to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame; all this in the last five months. I am grateful that today, I am going out on a high,” said Langer.
Langer appointed as the men’s team coach in 2018. Under Langer, Australia managed to win the T20 World Cup 2021 and then the Ashes.