Usman Khawaja says only Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch can end speculation on Justin Langer's exit

Test batsman Usman Khawaja says only Test and ODI captains Pat Cummins and Aaron Finch clearing the air — over their role in Justin Langer's exit as Australia's coach — will end speculation over a player revolt.

Khawaja said he was saddened for Justin Langer «the person» following his decision last Saturday to walk away from the role, despite having led Australia to the T20 World Cup and a comprehensive Ashes success in the past three months.

Langer ended his four-year tenure as national coach after rejecting an offer from Cricket Australia of a six-month extension with no scope for a future deal.

Khawaja said he was unaware of the exact details behind the situation, having only just returned to the team ahead of the third Test in Sydney.

Several notable former stars — such as Mitchell Johnson and Matt Hayden — have criticised Cummins' for a lack of public support for Langer.

But Khawaja did not want to speculate on just how much say Cummins and limited-overs captain Aaron Finch had in the coach's demise.

«I just came back in the team two months ago. I've been a little bit out of it, a little bit disconnected, but there's obviously a lot of ex-players coming and talking about the playing group,» Khawaja said.

«At some stage, one of the captains, probably Finchy or Patty, will probably have to stand up and answer some questions just to get rid of all the speculation that's going around.

»To just put an end to it all."

Khawaja confirmed he had reached out to Langer following his resignation, and lauded how the West Australian had restored a level of humility to the national team.

He also insisted his own relationship with the 51-year-old was good, despite speculation of a rift following his national team axing during the 2019 Ashes