Emotional twist in Justin Langer's resignation message
An emotional Justin Langer appeared in a video conference with Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley after he announced his resignation as head coach of Australia.
After months of speculation about whether Langer would remain as head coach after his contract ended in July, the former Test opener put the saga to bed when he tended his resignation on Saturday morning.
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It came as Test captain Pat Cummins had been reluctant to publicly back the incumbent coach, instead preferring to put the onus for the decision on Cricket Australia, despite various reports of a somewhat acrimonious relationship between Langer and the playing group.
Langer reportedly decided to walk away from the job after being offered only a six-month extension of his contract.
His exit comes despite Australia's triumph at the T20 World Cup in 2021, as well as the 4-0 Ashes victory over England earlier this year.
According to The Australian, Langer was emotional as he explained his reasoning for resigning on the staff conference call, shutting off his camera at one point.
Langer's departure and the circumstances around it have left several Australian cricket greats furious, many of whom are former teammates of the former Test opener.
The likes of Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Matthew Hayden have all slammed Cricket Australia's handling of the issue.
Hockley is reportedly set to reach out to several former players in order to clear the air in the coming days.
Justin Langer's devastating admission in resignation letter
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.
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."
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