Former players lash Cricket Australia for not re-signing coach Justin Langer

The Justin Langer contract storm has descended into farce amid claims and now counterclaims from Cricket Australia.

Justin Langer is under pressure to keep his job. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Furious former teammates of Australian coach Justin Langer have slammed Cricket Australia’s handling of his contract situation, labelling it “crazy” he hasn’t been re-signed.

Amid reports Langer went “ballistic” in a meeting with CA boss Nick Hockley last week after it was suggested he may have to reapply for his job, former Test star Damien Martyn led the charge in support.

But CA hit back on Tuesday morning, declaring there were a “ number of inaccuracies” in the original reporting of the meeting last Friday between Langer, Hockley and national high performance manager Ben Oliver.

“While we do not comment on confidential conversations, we felt on this occasion it was important to correct the record,” a statement said.

“Among other false claims, we reject outright the assertion that the meeting was fiery or heated and that Justin was asked to reapply for his job.

“Justin has always been contracted as head coach through to the middle of this year and we have consistently maintained that discussions around the future of the role would commence following the conclusion of the men’s Ashes series.

“Friday’s meeting was the first time that we had the opportunity to meet together in person, reflect on the team’s success and discuss the road ahead.

“We will continue with this process and make an announcement once it is complete.”

It came after Martyn, a long-time friend and supporter of Langer, even went as far as starting an online poll that overwhelmingly supported Langer’s retention as cricket pundits including former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted to the reports his future could be in doubt despite landing the T20 World Cup and a 4-0 Ashes win.

“It’s crazy … Took us from our darkest days to here,” Martyn said referencing Langer’s revival of the Test team after the sandpaper scandal in 2018.

Martyn was also scathing of the leaks coming out of CA about Langer.

Should JL be re-signed as Australian cricket coach? @cricketcomau#cricket#respect#values#winning#record

— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) January 31, 2022

It’s crazy… Took us from our darkest days to here. The question should be who is leaking confidential information to the media? #cricket#loyalty#honour#values#cricketgatehttps://t.co/mKEgxQxPiB

— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) January 31, 2022

Vaughan, who spent the summer in Australia commentating on the Test series, said Langer’s record should be enough for him to be re-signed.

“If it’s true the Coach of Australia has to reapply for his position when he has taken them to No 1 Test team in the World & the T20 World Cup champs in the last few months .. the landscape for success has hugely changed … Isn’t it about Winning ?? !!!,” he posted on Twitter.

On Monday Foxsports.com.au reported that Langer reacted angrily when the possibility of him reapplying for the coaching role was raised by Hockley and Oliver during a heated meeting last Friday morning.

According to the report, Langer is refusing to accept anything less than a full contract renewal, arguing his record warrants another multi-year deal.

Langer was last week inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, but a previous breakdown in relationships with senior Australian players is still hanging over his head.

If it’s true the Coach of Australia has to reapply for his position when he has taken them to No 1 Test team in the World & the T20 World Cup champs in the last few months .. the landscape for success has hugely changed … Isn’t it about Winning ?? !!! #Langer

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 31, 2022

It’s been reported Langer won’t go on the upcoming tour of Pakistan unless his contract situation is sorted.

The CA board is reportedly uncertain over Langer’s reappointment.

A crisis meeting between CA chiefs and senior players was needed last year to address the issues between players and coach, sparking suggestions Langer was in danger of not having his contract renewed.

The former Australian Test opener has since taken a step back and delegated more responsibility to his support staff, which has seemingly helped improve the team’s performance.

Originally published as Former players lash Cricket Australia for not re-signing coach Justin Langer