Former Australian Head Coach Justin Langer opens up on his 'messy' exit

Justin Langer, the former head coach of the men's Australian cricket team, has been a crucial initiator of the team's growth and success. From retaining the Ashes in 2019 to winning the prestigious ICC World T20 title in 2021, he has had an impeccable stint as the head coach of one of the most successful teams in the cricketing world. 

But, in February this year, things seemed to be unstable between the coach and the Cricket Australia (CA) board. Even after a long-lasting amount of contribution and dedication to the team, the former Australian opener received a mere six-month contract extension. Therefore, Langer wasn't pleased with it and had tendered his resignation to the board. 

As per some speculations, a rift between the coach and the team's senior players led the board to push the veteran Australian player's exit. A group of elite players such as Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and late Andrew Symonds had been against the decision and treatment provided to their ex-colleague. 

Langer had recalled his conversation with the interim CA Chairman, Richard Freudenstein, the day after he handed his resignation to the board. Langer stated, "The first thing he said to me was, 'It must make you feel so good that all your mates are supporting you in the media’."

"I said, 'Yeah! It is, acting chairman, but with all due respect, those mates are also the all-time greats of Australian cricket. They are the fabric of Australian cricket. They are Australian cricket. They also work all around the world in cricket. So yeah, I'm glad my mates are looking after me. Imagine if you had have. Ironically, the last six months of my coaching career were the most enjoyable period of 12 years of coaching.”

"Not only did we win everything, but I had energy, and I had focus, and I was happy - besides the bulls*** politics," Langer added to his statement, according to Australian media. 

After JL resigned from the position, there were speculations about joining the England cricket team as the head coach. Thanks to his love and passion for Australia, he had made it clear about not considering or giving a thought to that role. 

"I've never spoken to English cricket. The thought of coaching England (shakes his head fervently) ... mate!,” stated Langer.

Post his national duty as the coach, Langer intends to spend the majority of time in Western Australia with his family. 

"I love WA. I love being home. I haven't been home for 31 years," he concluded.