War of words erupts as Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley hits back at former coach Justin Langer

A war of words has erupted between Cricket Australia and Justin Langer following the former national coach’s explosive interview.

Australia cricket coach Justin Langer. Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

A war of words has erupted between Justin Langer and Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley after the Australian cricket legend made explosive remarks about his tenure as national coach.

In a revealing and insightful interview with the BackChat Podcast, Langer attacked anonymous “cowards” that leaked against him and shamed the CA board for his unceremonious sacking.

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The 52-year-old also claimed Australian captains Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch failed to provide direct feedback about the playing group’s grievances with his intense coaching style.

“I spoke to Pat Cummins. He said to me about five times, ‘This might be brutally honest.’ I said, ‘Pat, there is nothing brutal about your feedback. What is brutal is I’m hearing it behind my back through the media or through sources.’ No one’s telling me. Tell me,” Langer said.

“Everyone was being nice to my face but I was reading about this stuff and half of it … I could not believe that is what was making the papers.

“A lot of journalists use the word ‘source’. I would say, change that word to ‘coward’. A coward says, not a source. Because what do you mean a source says? They’ve either got an axe to grind with someone and they won’t come and say it to your face, or they’re just leaking stuff for their own agenda.

“I hate that.”

Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer. Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images for the Australian Cricketers' Association

Hockley has since accused Langer of factual inaccuracies, bluntly rejecting the former coach’s claims and throwing his support behind the playing group.

“We have not commented to date other than to correct inaccuracies, of which there are a number in Justin’s comments,” Hockley said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

“Regular formal and informal opportunities to provide and receive feedback took place throughout his tenure, which is consistent with a high performance environment.

“Following a comprehensive process, Justin was offered a short-term contract extension, which he rejected.

“I am disappointed by Justin’s comments unfairly criticising some of our players. The playing group are aware they have my full support.

“After an excellent performance against England in the one-day international series, we are fully focused on an exciting Test series against the West Indies and South Africa.”

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley. Photo by William WEST / AFP

Langer stood down as national men’s coach in February following months of speculation about his contract due to ongoing player dissatisfaction.

Last year, a crisis meeting between CA chiefs and senior players was needed to address issues within the changeroom, prompting Langer to take a step back and delegate more responsibility to his support staff.

In popular docuseries The Test: A New Era for Australia’s Team, Australian batter Usman Khawaja was captured directly telling Langer that players were “intimidated” by him.

“We can’t always control the result. You get better as individuals, players, staff, everyone, be in better control of that emotion, be more level-headed, without trying to make it too complicated,” Khawaja told Langer during the 2018 Boxing Day Test against India.

“I think that’s what the boys are trying to say. Does that makes sense?

“The boys are intimidated by you, Alf. I think there’s a bit of the walking on eggshells sort of thing. I feel like I think the boys are afraid to say it.”