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Cricket Australia condemns ‘inaccurate’ report on Justin Langer’s future as Australian cricket coach

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
Cricket Australia has released a statement following what it called a number of inaccuracies’ in a report over the future of Justin Langer as Australian cricket coach.
Camera IconCricket Australia has released a statement following what it called a number of inaccuracies’ in a report over the future of Justin Langer as Australian cricket coach. Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Cricket Australia has released a statement following what it called “a number of inaccuracies” in a report over the future of Justin Langer as Australian cricket coach, where it was claimed a “heated meeting” took place over his role.

Fox Sports’ Tom Morris on Monday reported that Langer met with CA Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley and Exexutive General Manager of High Performance and National Teams Ben Oliver.

While CA’s statement revealed the meeting did occur, Langer was not asked to re-apply for his role and the exchange was not “heated” or “fiery”, as the report had claimed.

Justin Langer.
Camera IconJustin Langer. Credit: Steve Bell/Getty Images

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“There were a number of inaccuracies in a story written by Tom Morris on the Fox Sports website on Monday concerning a meeting between Australian men’s team Head Coach Justin Langer, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley and EGM of High Performance and National Teams Ben Oliver on Friday,” the statement read.

“While we do not comment on confidential conversations, we felt on this occasion it was important to correct the record.

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“Among other false claims, we reject outright the assertion that the meeting was fiery or heated and that Justin was asked to reapply for his job.

“Justin has always been contracted as Head Coach through to the middle of this year and we have consistently maintained that discussions around the future of the role would commence following the conclusion of the men’s Ashes series.

Justin Langer.
Camera IconJustin Langer. Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“Friday’s meeting was the first time that we had the opportunity to meet together in person, reflect on the team’s success and discuss the road ahead.

“We will continue with this process and make an announcement once it is complete.”

Langer rose to the role of Australian men’s cricket coach in the wake of the sandpapergate scandal in South Africa, previously described as the darkest days for the nation in the sport.

In 2021, reports emerged of discord between Langer and senior players, who reportedly took issue with his intense coaching style.

The former WA coach took a step back following meetings with then-Test captain Tim Paine, white ball skipper Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins, who is now the Australian Test captain.

Langer and Pat Cummins.
Camera IconLanger and Pat Cummins. Credit: Steve Bell/Getty Images

The changes saw Australia claim a maiden T20 World Cup victory and retain the Ashes in the recent series on home soil.

The Australian T20 side will face Sri Lanka in a five-game series beginning on February 11 while Langer is on planned leave ahead of the three-Test series in Pakistan scheduled for March 3.

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