Cricket 2022/23: Former Australian coach John Buchanan advises Justin Langer to stand his ground in game’s civil war

After the ‘cowards’ outburst, former coach John Buchanan has reached out to Justin Langer, urging his protégé to stand his ground. Here’s why.

Former Australian coach John Buchanan has sent a Dr Seuss quote to Justin Langer in the hope he stands his ground in cricket’s uncivil war.

Langer is the talk of Australian cricket after he branded some Australian cricketers “cowards’’ for failing to approach him about his shortcomings which ultimately saw him part with the team after a messy exit.

Buchanan, a two-decade mentor of 52-year-old Langer, has texted his protégé two quotes.

The first, from American children’s book author Dr Seuss, is “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.’’

The second, from Oscar Wilde, is “be who you are, everyone else is take.’’

Justin Langer and Pat Cummins in England in 2019. Picture: Visionhaus

“I haven’t spoke to him – I have only texted him – but I hope he keeps trying to change the system,’’ Buchanan said.

“I hope he keeps that desire.

“Those who know Justin know what is underneath. He is a man of perfection. He demands that of himself and others.

“That’s why he says “I want those up front consultations. I want those robust confrontations.

“Justin was railing for accountability, open conversations, a team culture, and consistency in selections. He was doing that and that contributed to those great results in his last season.

“What angers him is that he took on the advice, he changed and he got the results and it still wasn’t good enough. So the system has rewarded the wrong set of values.

Langer and John Buchanan in 2005. Picture: Glenn Barnes

“I think he was let down by players but more importantly by Cricket Australia all the way back to when Pat Cummins came off an IPL series but said he needed to freshen up and could not go to the West Indies (for a one-day tour). If I was in Justin’s shoes I would have demanded Pat go to the West Indies.

“There is too many voices in an around the mix. If players do not hear what they want from one voice they will try someone else. People get played off against each other.

“Look, I am a huge Justin supporter. Whether it’s the right way, it’s his way.’’

When asked whether Langer would regret his outburst Buchanan said “possibly but he is also a media commentator (now for Channel 7).

“Cricket Australia won’t say it but I am sure they will be happy because suddenly it talks up the potential of a series which does not carry a lot of potential.’’

Originally published as Cricket 2022/23: Former Australian coach John Buchanan advises Justin Langer to stand his ground in game’s civil war