Justin Langer resigns as Australia coach after rejecting short-term contract extension

Australia head coach Justin Langer on Saturday announced his surprise resignation, just weeks after the dominant Ashes series victory over England and months after winning the T20 World Cup.

Langer, 51, walked away from the job after failing to secure the public support of key players and acrimonious contract talks with governing body Cricket Australia. Board members held lengthy discussions about Langer's future into Friday night, but failed to reach an agreement on a new deal with the former Test batsman.

The coach is said to have bristled at being asked to effectively reapply for his job and being offered a "short-term extension" to his contract, despite a stellar record that culminated in a 4-0 Ashes victory and Australia being ranked the world's No 1 Test team.

Sports management company DSEG announced Langer's departure in a statement saying "our client Justin Langer has this morning tendered his resignation as coach of the Australian mens cricket team.

"The resignation follows a meeting with Cricket Australia last evening. The resignation is effective immediately."

Cricket Australia said it had accepted Langer's resignation, while praising his "outstanding leadership".

"Justin is not only a legend of the game but an outstanding individual," it said, adding Andrew McDonald has been appointed as interim head coach.

As a player, Langer's searing intensity drove him to greatness with the bat. But it also appeared to play a role in his downfall, despite his success reviving the scandal-tainted side's fortunes.

Langer took the job in 2018, with Australian cricket at its lowest ebb for decades in the wake of a cheating scandal. His long-time partner at the crease, Matthew Hayden, said he had restored pride in their