‘Brave call’: Pat Cummins speaks out on Justin Langer’s resignation

Australia’s Test captain, Pat Cummins, has broken his silence on Justin Langer’s resignation, defending his teammates against former players who criticised the handling of the head coach’s departure and asserting the need for a “more collaborative approach”.

In a long statement issued before offering further clarity in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Cummins thanked Langer for his “significant” legacies and said his often-cited “intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards”.

“Justin has acknowledged that his style was intense. And it was,” Cummins wrote. “He has apologised to players and staff for his intensity. I think the apology was unnecessary. Because the players were OK with JL’s intensity.

“It came from a good place – his fierce love of Australia and the baggy green – something which has served Australian cricket well for three decades. It’s what makes him a legend of the sport.”

Speaking to media shortly afterwards, the fast bowler said Langer “tweaked his coaching style the last six months” since last year’s crisis meeting and “did a really, really good job”. However, he said the playing group had questioned whether these changes were feasible in the long term and sensed “now is the right time for a different direction”.

“I think this group looking forward, a few things through the review process we really wanted and found important to get the best out of our players is I think the players benefit from a more collaborative approach,” Cummins said.

“A big theme this summer was to be more calm, more composed. That’s been the feedback from the players, staff and Cricket Australia that’s the direction we want to take the team.”

He also said he did not believe Langer would be surprised