Former Test captain Mark Taylor says it was Cricket Australia’s right to not want to extend Justin Langer’s contract, but lambasted the way the situation had played out in a public arena.
Langer resigned from his post on Saturday, and it was later revealed that he was only offered a six-month extension – something Taylor labelled a “token gesture”.
“If people have got a problem with the way he coaches, particularly senior players, yes they are right to voice that opinion – but not to the media,” Taylor said on WWOS 2GB radio.
“That should have gone to (CA high performance manager) Ben Oliver, or to (CA CEO) Nick Hockley, and that should have been handled. Not through the public domain, but through the right channels.
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“They’d have been better off making a tough call a month ago and saying to JL, ‘mate, this is the way we’re going’, and making a clean break. It would have been much better than what we’ve had.”
Taylor said it was “fair enough” if the powers that be didn’t want to extend Langer’s contract, but that the situation was handled terribly.
“Justin Langer is a terrific fella who’s done a very good job in very tough circumstances, and he deserved better treatment than the way it was all aired over the last couple of weeks,” Taylor said.
“I think it could have been, and should have been done so much better with him being told exactly what the situation was – not via newspapers and radio broadcasts, but via Cricket Australia.
“If it had been handled that way it would have been much easier and a much better look for the game all around.”
Taylor said that had decisive action been taken earlier, it would have not only been better for Langer, but would have saved captain Pat Cummins from the criticism he has received from former greats over the past few days.
“It would have required Pat Cummins to be non-committal, it wouldn’t have required Cricket Australia to be non-committal,” Taylor said.
“This could have been done a lot better for all concerned, but most particularly, good for the game.
“Unfortunately, after a terrific summer with Australia retaining both the men’s and the women’s Ashes, it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth as we’re about to head into the football season.”
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