As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald and according to the dressing room sources, Australian coach Justin Langer’s intense coaching style has affected the Australian players. The cricketers are reportedly discouraged by the former batsmen’s mood shifts and intensity.
Several Australian players have turned towards assistant coach Andrew McDonald for support and advice as they found Justin Langer less approachable. Few senior cricketers are also said to be unhappy with Langer’s constant priority on micro-management.
In conversation with the Sydney Morning Herald regarding the following incidents, Langer said, “If players just want someone to tickle their stomachs all the time, then I’m not doing my job.”
When the topic of him micro-managing bowlers was brought up, the Aussie coach said, “It’s actually the opposite of what happens.”
“I never talk about statistics to the bowlers, ever. I don’t go to any of the bowlers’ meetings. That’s what the bowlers’ coach is meant to be doing,” he said while denying micro-managing bowlers.
“I don’t do any of that. I never, ever, ever speak to any of the bowlers about any of that sort of stuff. And the learning’s of the last few months are I should start looking at that more,” he added.
With the current Australian team consisting of relatively senior and experienced players, Justin’s strict attitude seems to not go well with some of the cricketers. However, the players haven’t let their discontentment known to the Cricket Australian hierarchy.
Justin Langer and the Australian team have come under the radar after their Test series loss to an injury-hit Indian side. With the Aussies be facing the Proteas next month, it would be interesting to see if they bounce back or not.
