We Need New Style Of Coaching And Skill Set: Pat Cummins Opens Up On Justin Langer's Resignation

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins on Wednesday responded to the criticism of former Australian players over Justin Langer’s exit as head coach.

After days of speculation over Langer’s contract with Cricket Australia, the former opening batter tendered his resignation from the head coach role on Saturday (February 5).

Langer’s four years of contract with Cricket Australia was supposed to end in June with Australia’s tour of Pakistan could have been his last task.

Cricket Australia had a lengthy meeting with Langer on Friday (February 4) but the two parties couldn’t pen a suitable deal. The Australian board stated that they offered Langer a short-term deal but that wasn’t sufficient for him.

Many former Australian cricketers, who were teammates with Langer in the past, have slammed Cricket Australia for their approach and criticised players for not backing the coach.

There has been much public comment since Justin Langer’s resignation: Pat Cummins

Cummins replied to the backlash of the Australian pundits and said he will stand up for his teammates.

“Many former players have reached out to me and silently offered me their advice, which is welcome. 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,” Cummins said in his statement, which he released one hour prior to speaking to the media on Wednesday.

“There has been much public comment since Justin Langer’s resignation as coach of the Australian cricket team. For good reason, I have not made a public comment before today. 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,” he added.

We also have a duty to our mates: Pat Cummins

Langer was under immense pressure to keep his position until the Ashes after the Australian players were unhappy with his managerial style and they give him feedback for the same. During the T20 World Cup, many players including skipper Aaron Finch said Langer gave them the freedom to take things in their own way.

Cummins said that the team wanted a new coaching style and acknowledged Cricket Australia’s decision. Cummins said, as a leader of the team, he has the responsibility of his teammates.

“Justin has acknowledged his style was intense, he has apologized to players and staff for his intensity and I think the apology was unnecessary because the players were okay with JL’s intensity. His intensity was not the issue for the players and support staff. To be better players of Australia, from this solid foundation, we need a new style of coaching and skill set,” Cummins stated.

“This was the feedback the players gave to Cricket Australia and it is the feedback I understand the support staff also gave. CA has made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning. I take this responsibility seriously. I live and breathe it. We also have a duty to our mates,” he added.

Assistant coach Andrew McDonald was named as the interim coach, he will take charge of the Australian for the Sri Lanka T20I series, starting on February 11 in Sydney.

Also Read: Justin Langer Didn’t Win Away Test Series, England Were Hopeless In Ashes: Brendon McCullum