The Justin Langer saga came to an end on Saturday, 6 February. After much speculation since the middle of last year, Langer chose to step down and not see through his entire term that was scheduled to come to an end in June this year. The outgoing Australian head coach Langer penned an emotional resignation letter to Cricket Australia and the copy of it was later published in the Australian newspaper on Sunday.
Writing that he did not want to continue till the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, Langer stated that he is moving away since several members of the Australian cricket team and the board did not want him in charge. While he did not point out any players, he specifically named CEO Nick Hockley about how the head of the board wanted to drive the team away in a different direction.
If media reports are correct, several senior players and a couple of support staff don't support me moving forward, and it is now apparent the CA board, and you Nick, are also keen to see the team move in another direction. I respect that decision."
"My life has been built on values of honesty, respect, trust, truth, and performance and if that comes across as 'too intense' at times, I apologise."
Langer argued that he had put the team in a better place since the time he took over during the turbulent Sandpaper Gate. "Whilst it is not up to me to judge, I hope Australians respect what has been achieved over the last four years in Australian cricket. From day one I believed it was possible to both win and play the game in the spirit that is now expected from our supporters.
Langer would be leaving the position on a high after winning the T20 World Cup and the coveted Ashes Down Under. Langer was also inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame recently.