Justin Langer's devastating admission in resignation letter

Former Australia coach Justin Langer says the messy coaching saga that culminated in his resignation over the weekend, took a massive toll on his family and personal life.

In an open letter sent to Cricket Australia (CA) on Saturday morning, Langer poured his heart out in a classy explanation as to why he chose not to take up CA's offer of a six-month contract extension.

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In his resignation letter, published by The Australian on Sunday, Langer said he had no interest taking up the short-term deal after almost four years in the job.

Having helped Australia win the T20 World Cup title, along with a 4-0 Ashes series thumping that returned Australia to the World No.1 Test ranking, Langer could have been forgiven for thinking he deserved more from CA.

The former Test great wanted to sign a new long-term contract but CA only wanted to keep him on until the end of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

Langer explained that through media reports he came to the realisation several senior players and staffers did not want him to continue as national team coach.

The 51-year-old admitted that the constant speculation about his future was particularly taxing on his personal life, and went into detail about the events that preceded his resignation.

"Having been away from home since the first week of October, (Friday) was a tumultuous day, and with quarantine restrictions now that I am back (in Perth) I am unable to do anything publicly at the moment, but I want people to know I am happy with my decision and proud of what I have achieved," Langer wrote in an email to CA bosses, including chief executive Nick Hockley.

"There has been a great deal of media speculation on my future as the Australian men's cricket coach over the last 12 months and this has taken an enormous toll on my family.

"I hope through this time, and throughout my tenure, I have held myself with integrity and dignity.

"Last night (Friday) I was offered a short-term contract until the end of the T20 World Cup in Australia (in November), with the sentiment of 'going out on a high'.

"After careful consideration I have decided not to accept this contract renewal, and as a result I believe it is in everyone's best interests for the Australian cricket team to begin the next chapter immediately.

"If media reports are correct, several senior players and a couple of support staff don't support me moving forward, and it is now apparent the CA board, and you Nick, are also keen to see the team move in another direction.

"I respect that decision."

Players did not back Justin Langer to remain long-term

There had been speculation about Langer's future in the role since last summer's home Test series loss to India, when reports of discontent among players about Langer's "intensity" emerged.

He may have hoped that had been resolved as he took a more hands-off role during the subsequent T20 World Cup triumph and recent home Ashes success.

With none of the players from Australia's Test squad publicly backing their coach to remain in the role long-term, the writing was on the wall for Langer, who apologised if his management style came across as too intense at times.

"My life has been built on values of honesty, respect, trust, truth, and performance and if that comes across as 'too intense' at times, I apologise," Langer added in his resignation letter.

"It is said that in any venture, if you leave things in a better place than when you started then you have done your job.

"Whilst it is not up to me to judge, I hope Australians respect what has been achieved over the last four years in Australian cricket."

Langer has received an outpouring of support from former teammates and ex-Australian players, including Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and Mitchell Johnson.

with AAP

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