Justin Langer hits out at politics in Cricket Australia

Former Australia coach Justin Langer has lambasted the national cricket board’s politics as he opened up about his tumultuous exit from the top job, particularly interim chairman Richard Freudenstein.

After overseeing a successful T20 World Cup campaign and an Ashes triumph, the 51-year-old stood down as the senior men’s team coach in February after refusing a six-month contract extension. He had hoped for a multi-year deal after a successful T20 World Cup campaign and an Ashes triumph.

Langer had a tense conversation with Freudenstein the day after he quit his job.

Several Australian superstars, including Mark Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Matthew Hayden, and the late Shane Warne, defended Langer and questioned Cricket Australia (CA) about the treatment he received.

“The first thing he (Freudenstein) said to me was, ‘It must make you feel so good that all your mates are supporting you in the media,’” Langer told a Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA event in Perth.

“I said, ‘Yeah it is, acting chairman. But with all due respect, those mates are also the all-time greats of Australian cricket. They are the fabric of Australian cricket. Also they are Australian cricket. They also work all around the world in cricket.

“So yeah, I’m glad my mates are looking after me. Imagine if you had have’.

“Ironically, the last six months of my coaching career were the most enjoyable period of 12 years of coaching. Not only did we win everything. But I had energy, and I had focus, and I was happy – besides the bull**** politics.”

After Chris Silverwood was fired, the former Australia opener emphasised that he had never spoken to anyone about taking over as England coach.

Langer’s exit timed to coincide with Silverwood’s dismissal. And the Australian’s name was instantly connected to the England coaching job.

After Chris Silverwood fired, the former Australia opener revealed he had never spoken to anyone about taking over as England coach.

“I’ve never spoken to English cricket,” Langer said.

“Former England captain) Andrew Strauss rang me the day after I resigned… But I have known Andrew Strauss for a long time and that was 14 weeks ago.

“(Apart from that) I’ve never spoken to English cricket.

“The thought of coaching England … mate (shakes his head).”

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