Former coach cites reported lack of support but writes of pride in what he has achieved
Justin Langer has apologized if he came across as “too intense” in an emotional letter of resignation to the Cricket Australia board. But said he hoped he had left the men’s team in a better position than when he arrived.
The letter was published in the Australian newspaper on Sunday. Just over 24 hours after Langer had tendered his resignation as Australia men’s head coach. Declining a short-term six-month contract extension that was offered to him on Friday.
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In the letter, Langer addressed the media speculation about his coaching style. And said he accepted that the team wanted to head in a different direction.
“There has been a great deal of media speculation on my future as the Australian men’s cricket coach over the last 12 months. And this has taken an enormous toll on my family. I hope through this time, and throughout my tenure. I have held myself with integrity and dignity,” Langer wrote in the email to CEO Nick Hockley.
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“Last night I was offered a short-term contract until the end of the T20 World Cup in Australia. With the sentiment of ‘going out on a high’. After careful consideration, I have decided not to accept this contract renewal. And as a result, 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 to 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 apologize.”
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Hockley confirmed on Saturday the six-month offer. Unanimously endorsed by the board on Friday, would have been the end to Langer’s tenure with the view. That it was time to transition to a new coaching era in the men’s team sighting unity as one of the key factors of the decision.
Hockley also acknowledged that player relationships with Langer, which had come to a head last August before high-level talks patched the situation up to the extent that the World Cup and Ashes were won, were a factor in the board’s decision. Senior assistant Andrew McDonald has been appointed interim coach.
Langer flew to Perth on Saturday having not been home in five months due to Western Australia’s border restrictions and began 14 days home quarantine.
“It is said that in any venture if you leave things in a better place than when you started then you have done your job,” he wrote.
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“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.
“For the last four years it has been proven this can be achieved and I am very proud of the team for their efforts on and off the cricket field. I hope we have made Australians proud and earned respect from countries around the world.
“In terms of ‘going out on a high’, I am blessed to have been a part of a T20 World Cup-winning squad, an Ashes-winning squad, watched the Test team rise to #1 ranked team in the world today, been selected as the Wisden Coach of the Year and been elevated to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame; all this in the last five months.
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“I am grateful that today, I am going out on a high.”
