Test captain Tim Paine dismisses claims of player unrest over Justin Langer’s intense coaching style

Tim Paine has launched an impassioned defence of Justin Langer’s tough approach following reports of rumblings in the Australian dressing room.

There are claims Justin Langer’s intense style is wearing thin on the players. Picture: Getty Images

Tim Paine has urged Justin Langer not to change his passionate ways as the coach confronts dressing room whispers that his intensity is wearing thin on players.

Langer’s coaching style and demeanour has been put under a microscope after the team’s chastening loss to India, but a strident defence of his methods from the Australian captain is a significant vote of confidence given Paine leads that playing group.

Paine did not attempt to deny that Langer’s passion sometimes spills over, but declared “heart on sleeve” is what he wants and expects the coach of his team to be.

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“JL is a passionate guy, particularly when it comes to this team and Australian cricket,” Paine told The Sunday Telegraph.

“He’s also the guy who kicks the bin over and then puts the rubbish back in.

“He wears his heart on his sleeve, is tough, fair and at times emotional, just as he was as a player and now as a coach.

“You would be worried if that wasn’t the case.”

Paine’s reference to the Amazon documentary The Test is telling, because it infers there are no hidden surprises about what Langer is like.

There might be plenty of footage that never made it off the cutting room floor, but Langer’s intensity was laid bare during The Test and was one the main takeaways of the viewing experience.

Justin Langer has the backing of captain Tim Paine. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Murmurs from disgruntled players about Langer’s impact on the mood of the team have been rumbling around in recent days and will have to be seriously examined when Cricket Australia decides on whether to extend the West Australian’s four-year contract beyond next year.

But Cricket Australia coveted Langer as coach three years ago for the high standards and passion they wanted him to instil in team culture and head of team performance Ben Oliver said that confidence has not changed.

“Justin has done an outstanding job since taking over the head coach role in incredibly challenging circumstances,” Oliver said.

“He has always set high standards for himself and the team and this has been a key driver in improving culture and performance.

“Justin leads with integrity, passion and great care for his players, staff and the game more broadly. Unquestionable qualities that will continue to hold Australian cricket in good stead.”

Langer told Nine newspapers that he wouldn’t be doing his job if he just told players what they wanted to hear.

Sources who witnessed a moment when a player — understood to be Marnus Labuschagne — attempted to carry a toasted sandwich with him out to the middle in Brisbane, supported Langer’s stance to stop it from happening.

“You’re walking on against India, we’re trying to win a Test match and one of our players walks on with a toasted sandwich in his hand,” Langer told Nine Newspapers.

“I spoke to (the player) about it at length yesterday. I said, ‘How do you reckon it looks, mate?’ Is that not something I should say?“

Langer also denied allegations he interferes with instructions for fast bowlers and was adamant that should be the sole domain of bowling coach Andrew McDonald.

“It’s actually the opposite of what happens,” Langer told Nine.

“I never talk about statistics to the bowlers, ever. I don’t go to any of the bowlers’ meetings. That’s what the bowlers’ coach is meant to be doing.

“I don’t do any of that. I never, ever, ever speak to any of the bowlers about any of that sort of stuff. And the leanings of the last few months are I should start looking at that more.”