The Australia cricket team had a forgettable home summer as they lost the Test series 2-1 to an under-strength Indian side.
In the wake of the series loss, reports have emerged that everything is not well between the Australian cricketers and head coach Justin Langer as the latter’s intense “micro-management” coaching style hasn’t reportedly been liked by a lot of players.
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In fact, a report published in the Sydney Morning Herald also claims that Langer had barred a player from carrying a toasted sandwich in his pocket to have as a snack on the field during the fourth Test in Brisbane.
Looking back at the consequences of sandpaper gate in 2018, Langer’s advice to not carry anything in the pocket seems a wise move but it apparently hadn’t gone down well with the player.
“Players believe Langer means well and respect his legacy in the sport but some have turned more and more to assistant coach Andrew McDonald for support because they increasingly don’t know where they stand with the boss,” the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
“During the Brisbane Test Langer ordered a player not to persist with a habit of jamming a toasted sandwich in his pocket to eat on the field.”
“…the coach’s headmaster-like manner and difficulty coping with pressure was in the summer increasingly incompatible with a team consisting largely of experienced players in their late 20s or 30s.”
However, Langer defended his decision, saying such a habit was unacceptable from a national cricketer.
“You’re walking on against India, we’re trying to win a Test match and one of our players walks on with a toasted sandwich in his hand,” Langer told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I spoke to (the player) about it at length yesterday. I said, ‘How do you reckon it looks, mate?’ Is that not something I should say?” he added without revealing the name of the player.