Justin Langer has doubled down on his claims that there’s no rift between he and other members of the Australian cricket team after explosive comments earlier this week from the former national coach.
In an interview with Will Schofield’s BackChat podcast – that was recorded several weeks ago – Langer blasted the “cowards” who leaked against him during his final months in charge.
‘The interview prompted a stern response from Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley, who said there were “a number of inaccuracies” in Langer’s accounts and that he was disappointed by comments “unfairly criticising some of our players”.
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Langer then responded publicly for the first time via Channel 7, his new employer, to reject suggestions he’s at “war” with Pat Cummins and other members of the national team.
Now, in a passionate and extensive column in the West Australian, the 52-year old has again denied any sort of tension between he and current players in an attempt to clear the air.
“This rubbish dialogue of me fighting with the current team must stop. Simply because it is not true. They are my friends. They are like my younger brothers. Anything said to the contrary is false,” Langer wrote in the West Australian.
“For four years we drank, ate, celebrated, strategised and lived together.
“We fought back from ‘sandpaper gate’ and Covid together and we won the T20 World Cup and Ashes together.
“Was it always perfect? No, it wasn’t? What business, what team is always perfect? I have never met a leader who is every single person’s cup of tea. Again, that’s life.”
Lanager’s initial claims have come under criticism for being a distraction to the Australian team just a week out from its first Test against the West Indies in Perth on Wednesday.
Asked about his relationship with Langer at Perth airport this week, Cummins said: “All good.”
The Age reports Cummins and Langer may meet ahead of the first Test against the West Indies in a bid to further alleviate any tension.
Huss opens up on Langer’s comments | 02:56
Lager also revealed in his column he thought the podcast had been released weeks ago and that he’d sent some audio to key members of the team prior to it coming out after Schofield told him there might be some interest in his comments on ‘leaks’ and ‘sources’ in the media.
“I sent it to Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Aaron Finch and Ben Oliver, the high performance Manager of CA. Contrary to what has been reported, these men I respect and like,” Langer wrote.
“Ironically, I had reached out to Pat a few days before and we had a great chat about the team, and how he and the boys were travelling. Several players had also sent me birthday wishes, and I had spoken to a couple of the guys during and after the ODI series against England.
“I am also in touch with 90 per cent of the team in one way or another. All good, happy encouraging, positive stuff – hardly a war, as is being depicted.
“For the record, I am a great admirer of Pat Cummins. Not only is he an outstanding cricketer but he is also a very good human being.”
