The circumstances surrounding the resignation of Justin Langer should be of grave concern to the cricketing world.
It appears that a group of players used their leverage to squeeze out Langer despite his successes on the field.
Langer inherited a team in crisis, not only on the field but culturally – and has managed to turn things around. But he might have done too good a job.
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The events of 2018 seem to have been forgotten, as Test skipper Pat Cummins called for a looser hand to guide the team.
Many of the current crop of players took part in that disastrous series in South Africa when Australia’s famed will to win spilled over into the realm of egregious – if somewhat comical – cheating.
Warne’s warning
Shane Warne recently called for another review and greater transparency around the ball-tampering accusations, holding the belief that more players or perhaps even coaching staff were involved.
It is against this backdrop that Cummins’ calls for a more collaborative coach should be examined.
Langer’s intensity was one of the issues. His strong stance on ethical matters was lauded by Cummins, but in ambiguous fashion.
Previous coach Darren Lehmann was forced into a resignation, having been effectively asleep at the wheel as Australia’s top players became a law unto themselves.
The signs were early
At that time, back in 2018, it was apparent to most that something big and likely unpleasant was approaching, as the Steven Smith-led side flirted with crossing the line in ill-tempered series against India and England.
It would be a stretch to suggest that Cummins and company want a coach who will allow them to once again push toward that fabled line – or perhaps cross it.
However, recent history tells us that those who are concerned about the direction the Australia men’s team is going have a relatively strong basis for their worries.