Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins on Wednesday (February 9) shared his thoughts on Justin Langer's resignation as head coach, saying the team needed "a new coaching style" moving forward.
Cummins, who was appointed Test captain weeks ahead of the Ashes 2021-22 after Tim Paine stepped down over sexting scandal, further said that he decided to support his players after receiving the feedback from them.
Langer, who had taken charge of the Australian team in 2018 following the ball-tampering scandal, stepped down from the post last Saturday (February 5). The 51-year-old wanted to sign a new long-term contract but CA was offering him a contract until the end of the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Following the turn of events, former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson termed Cummins as "gutless" and said the Test skipper has an agenda to bring his own coach.
"Many former players have reached out to me and silently offered me their advice, which is welcome. Some others have spoken in the media - which is also welcome and comes from a love of the game and their support of a mate. To all past players, I want to say this: Just as you have always stuck up for your mates, I'm sticking up for mine," Cummins said in his statement.
"There has been much public comment since Justin Langer's resignation as coach of the Australian cricket team. For good reason, I have not made a public comment before today. Now that a decision has been made by Justin to resign and given his own public comments and others by Cricket Australia, I can provide some clarity," he added.
In his statement, the fast bowler further said: "Justin has acknowledged his style was intense, he has apologized to players and staff for his intensity and I think the apology was unnecessary because the players were okay with JL's intensity. His intensity was not the issue for the players and support staff. To be better players of Australia, from this solid foundation, we need a new style of coaching and skill set."
"This was the feedback the players gave to Cricket Australia and it is the feedback I understand the support staff also gave. CA has made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning. I take this responsibility seriously. I live and breathe it. We also have a duty to our mates," he added.
Australia did reasonably well during Justin Langer’s tenure as head coach. The highlight of his stint was guiding Australia to their maiden T20 World Cup title in UAE last year, drawing the Ashes in England in 2019, and registering a 4-0 Ashes victory at home recently.
