Justin Langer has publicly addressed his resignation in the impassioned way he fought for his wicket as a pugnacious opener and led Australia’s men’s team as coach, in a wholehearted social media post.
In a lengthy address posted in the wake of his polarising exit, which came amid reports of a players’ revolt despite outstanding on-field success, Langer reaffirmed his core values and apologised if what he stood for made him “too intense”.
Several players had in August anonymously gone public about Langer being a micromanager, bursting out in anger and having mood swings.
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The 51-year-old’s four-year contract was due to expire in June, but he quit on Saturday after being offered only a six-month extension and being told that his tenure wouldn’t be renewed again.
Langer addressed his ugly departure in a post on LinkedIn.
“Thank you for everyone’s well-wishers (sic). I have been overwhelmed by the support,” Langer wrote.
“Now to start the next chapter of my life, wherever that may take me. Rather than reply to all, please see my statement that went public today. Thanks again. JL.”
Langer began his statement with a positive outlook on his tenure as Australia’s coach, which started in the aftermath of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
“It is said that in any venture if you leave things in a better place that (sic) when you started then you have done your job. While 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.”
Langer then shed light on the impact his rocky tenure had taken on his family.
“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,” Langer wrote.
“I hope through this time, and throughout my tenure, I have held myself with integrity and dignity.
“On Friday night, I was offered a short-term contract until the end of the T2o World Cup (sic) 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.”
Langer also touched on the reports of unrest among the playing group.
Test captain Pat Cummins was given the chance on a host of occasions to endorse Langer publicly, but he opted against doing so every time.
There were also reports that Langer’s assistants, Andrew McDonald and Michael Di Venuto, would relinquish their roles if Langer’s contract was extended.
“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 and CEO Nick Hockley are also keen to see the team move in another direction. I respect that decision,” Langer wrote.
“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 apologise.
“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 (the) No.1-ranked team in the world … been selected as the Wisden Coach of the Year and been elevated to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame – all this in the last six months.
“I am grateful that I … leave the team on a high,” Langer added.
“Australian cricket means the world to me. It has since I was a kid, and I am grateful for the opportunity to play for and coach our national team. I am thankful to the board for the opportunity, and I will take with me many cherished memories and friendships from the last four years.
“Hopefully a good job has been done and I wish the team every success for the future.
“For now, I have another two weeks in quarantine in Perth before I can reunite with my family. In that time, I will reflect on the past and work out what the next chapter of my life may look like.”
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