Alex Carey Denies Reports Of Rift Between Australian Players And Justin Langer Reason Behind Him Quitting

Australia Test wicket-keeper Alex Carey has denied reports that it was the rift between several national team players and coach Justin Langer that forced the former opener to quit from his position as Australia head coach despite being offered a six-month extension by Cricket Australia.

Several former Australia cricketers, especially those who have played with Justin Langer, slammed the current team and its players for not supporting and backing Langer getting a new contract as Australia head coach when his position for up for review by Cricket Australia.

Despite leading Australia to the Ashes and T20 World Cup success, Langer dramatically stepped down from his role on Saturday, citing a lack of support from senior players, support staff, and the board as the reason behind his decision in his resignation letter.

“I believe it is in everyone’s best interests for the Australian cricket team to begin the next chapter immediately. 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 are also keen to see the team move in another direction. I respect that decision,” Langer had wrote in his email.

However, Carey has denied the suggestion that a rift between Langer and the players caused him to quit.

‘I’m A Little Bit Surprised: Alex Carey On Rumors Of Rift Between Langer And Australia Team Led Him To Resign As Head Coach

Alex Carey became the first Australian player to publically speak about the alleged rift between the players and Justin Langer is one of the reasons behind the former opener resigning from his job as head coach. Many also cite the six-month job extension offer by CA as an insult to Langer and termed it as a reason why he quit.

“I don’t think so. Everyone respects the man highly – he’s obviously an Australian cricket legend. ‘I’m a little bit surprised but it is now about the stability of the team and trying to win games of cricket moving forward,” Carey told Channel 7 on rumors of a rift between the Australia team and Justin Langer.

In Langer’s resignation letter he apologized for coming across as “too intense at times”. After his departure, Fox Cricket senior reporter Tom Morris wrote that many players objected to Langer’s coaching style and mood swings. He cited a grueling fitness and fielding session at a hot MCG after Langer learned the players were paid more for their roles in a documentary.

Andrew McDonald has been named interim head coach for the upcoming Sri Lanka series at home.

Also Read: Absolute Disgrace To Treat The Head Coach The Way They Have – Shane Warne Lashes Out At CA Over Justin Langer Saga