Justin Langer coaching future: John Buchanan advises Langer to ‘walk’ if job doesn’t suit as players break silence

Players have had their say on whether Justin Langer should continue as Australian coach, and there’s a range of opinions in the bunch.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 09: Head coach Justin Langer shakes hands with Pat Cummins of Australia after the match ended in a draw on day five of the Fourth Test Match in the Ashes series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 09, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Justin Langer has been warned by mentor John Buchanan the Australian coaching job is becoming a poisoned chalice and he should quit if he cannot do it on his terms.

Langer’s future goes on the line on Friday with the Cricket Australia board to discuss whether to offer Langer a new contract after his four-year deal expires in June.

High-performance boss Ben Oliver will make a recommendation to the board on Langer’s future and there has been speculation CA will offer Langer a short-term deal of between one and two years. But nothing is certain.

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It is understood some players would prefer Langer be replaced by NSW-based Trevor Bayliss.

There are also others who would welcome Langer back and have no problems if his term is extended, including one who is privately concerned about the way Langer has been “hung out to dry’’ in the protracted wait to decide his future.

Justin Langer’s former Australia coach John Buchanan has weighed on Langer’s future. Picture: AAP Image/Tony Phillips

“Last time he spoke to me he wanted to coach on but if it gets to a point where you are going to be undermined all the way, you are better off not taking the offer,’’ said Buchanan, who coached Langer for most of his Test career.

The advice is especially relevant because Buchanan has been a trusted friend and confidant of Langer for two decades and remains of his greatest supporters.

Following a player revolt last year, Langer’s coaching role has been watered down from high intensity hands-on to more of an overarching role where more power has been delegated to his support staff. This balance of power would be set to continue with any new deal, a fact which has Buchanan concerned.

“You have got to be able to coach your way,” he said. “You are the one judged on results. As soon as you start comprising and trying to please everybody you please no one, you don’t get the results and you get done over in the end.

Justin Langer’s future as Australia coach goes on the line on Friday. Picture: William West/AFP

“When you have bad blood it interferes with everything you are trying to do. I just think Justin is a wonderful person and all the stewardship Justin was asked to provide when he was brought in has made such an impact. He had done everything he has been asked to do.

“But Cricket Australia have been so conspicuous with their lack of support and silence. He needs to feel open support from Cricket Australia and Ben Oliver and Pat Cummins otherwise it just makes it too hard.

“If he cannot coach the way he wants to it could become a poisoned chalice. It shouldn’t be. It should be a continuation of the winning way they have established this summer with the T20 and the Ashes.

“In the end, he has to be able to concentrate on his coaching. You cannot be looking over your shoulder, walking on egg shells, second-guessing everything you, wondering who you can talk to and who is supporting you. It’s just too hard.

“Somebody said this is becoming a saga and should never have come to that and I agree. It just concerns me that even if Justin is retained it doesn’t seem like a healthy environment.’’

Cummins said on Thursday that he “loved working with JL’’ but, significantly, failed to endorse a contract extension and said it was up to Cricket Australia to make a decision.

Cummins has been interviewed by CA for his opinion on the role.

CUMMINS REFUSES TO BACK LANGER AS D-DAY LOOMS

By Peter Lalor

Pat Cummins avoided calls to give public support to Justin Langer on Thursday morning, saying it was not a decision for the players but that he had “huge respect” for the coach.

Langer’s fate will be decided on Friday when the Cricket Australia board receives a report about extending his contract in the wake of an Ashes and T20 World Cup victory.

Speaking at his Penrith Cricket Club, where he was launching a solar power initiative, Cummins was luke warm in responding for calls to support Langer.

“It’s in Cricket Australia’s hands,” he said. “JLs been doing a fantastic job, he’s been there for four years, his contract is obviously up soon, they’re just going through an evaluation process at the moment, which I think is fair, the right thing to do. We all get evaluated all the time as cricketers. It’s part of a high-performance environment.

“That process is happening, it’s a decision for Cricket Australia and we just have to wait.”

Asked why he had not come out to support the coach and if he would do it now, Cummins again would not commit.

Pat Cummins embraces coach Justin Langer.

The captain was consulted by chief executive Nick Hockley and the general manager of teams Ben Oliver last week, as was one-day captain Aaron Finch.

“That’s Cricket Australia’s job, it’s not my job,” said Cummins. “I’ve really loved my time working with JL.

“There’s been a process, I’ve been part of that, a lot of other players have been part of that. It’s just like when we get evaluated.

“I’ve got huge respect for JL, I’ve really liked working with him, but it’s not my call.”

Cummins said the “speculation was not healthy and he did not want to add to it”.