Australian captain Pat Cummins has denied Justin Langer's intense style of coaching was an issue, instead pointing to the widespread feedback suggesting the time was right for a new voice in the change room as the reason for his departure.
Cummins has been heavily criticised for his failure to back the T20 World Cup and Ashes winning coach as speculation around his job raged.
Langer resigned from his role over the weekend after turning down a six-month contract offer from Cricket Australia.
A host of past players, many of them former teammates of Langer, have accused the fast bowler of having an agenda against the now-former coach.
In a statement on Wednesday, Cummins also responded to those comments, accepting the former players' willingness to support their friend, but seemingly standing by his teammates who felt the coach had to go.
"Now that a decision has been made by Justin to resign and given his own public comments and others by Cricket Australia, I can provide some clarity," Cummins said.
"Justin has acknowledged that his style was intense. And it was.
"He has apologised to players and staff for his intensity.
"I think the apology was unnecessary. Because the players were ok with JL’s intensity.
"It came from a good place – his fierce love of Australia and the baggy green – something which has served Australian cricket well for three decades.
"It’s what makes him a legend of the sport.
"And Justin’s intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards.
"These are significant Justin Langer legacies.
"And on behalf of the players, I thank Justin."
Cummins suggested the feedback given regarding Langer's future was consistent across the players and staff and now was the time for a new face in the role.
"To be better players for Australia, from this solid foundation, we need a new style of coaching and skill set," he said.
"This was the feedback the players gave to Cricket Australia. And it’s the feedback I understand support staff also gave.
"I add that as professional sportspeople we would have accepted any decision CA were to make because that’s what professionals do.
"CA have made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning."
Mitchell Johnson, Matthew Hayden, Mark Taylor, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh are among a long list of ex-players to criticise Cummins and Cricket Australia over the handling of the situation.
Cummins, apparently willing to take the heat on behalf of the playing group for the controversial decision, referenced this in his statement as well.
"Many former players have reached out to me and silently offered me their advice which is welcome," Cummins said.
"Some others have spoken in the media – which is also welcome and comes from a love of the game and their support of a mate.
"To all past players, I want to say this: Just as you have always stuck up for your mates, I’m sticking up for mine."
See the full statement below.
Statement from Pat Cummins on Justin Langer. pic.twitter.com/zgb1tiSIu7
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) February 9, 2022
Cummins will speak to the media in Sydney on Wednesday afternoon.
