Pat Cummins says Australia did not have issues with Justin Langer's style

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins has said the players never had an issue with recently departed head coach Justin Langer's «intensity», but believes the team would benefit from a «more collaborative» approach.

Last week, Langer resigned after rejecting Cricket Australia's short-term contract offer.

Cummins told a news conference it was time «for a different direction».

«A big theme this summer was to be more calm, more composed,» said Cummins.

«That's been the feedback from the players, staff and Cricket Australia that that's the direction we want to take the team.»

Langer, who took over in 2018 following the Australia ball-tampering scandal, won the T20 World Cup and the Ashes in the last three months of his tenure.

However, prior to his departure, reports in Australia suggested the 51-year-old did not have the support of the dressing room, with players said to be unhappy with his leadership style.

Former Australian cricketers including Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden criticised Cricket Australia for «pushing» Langer out of the job.

But in a statement released shortly before he addressed reporters at a news conference, Cummins said he was «sticking up for his mates».

«Many former players have reached out to me and silently offered me their advice which is welcome,» added the 28-year-old.

«Some others have spoken in the media — which is also welcome and comes from a love of the game and their support of a mate.

»To all past players, I want to say this: Just as you have always stuck up for your mates, I'm sticking up for mine."

Langer replaced Darren Lehmann, who resigned after the ball-tampering scandal that rocked cricket and also led to captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and