Justin Langer has apologized if he came across as “too intense” in an emotional letter of resignation to the Cricket Australia board but said he hoped he had left the men’s team in a better position than when he arrived.
The letter was published in the Australian newspaper on Sunday, just over 24 hours after Langer had tendered his resignation as Australia men’s head coach, declining a short-term six-month contract extension that was offered to him on Friday.
In the letter, Langer addressed the media speculation about his coaching style and said he accepted that the team wanted to head in a different direction.
“There has been a great deal of media speculation on my future as the Australian men’s cricket coach over the last 12 months and this has taken an enormous toll on my family. I hope through this time, and throughout my tenure, I have held myself with integrity and dignity,” Langer wrote in the email to CEO Nick Hockley.
“Last night I was offered a short-term contract until the end of the T20 World Cup in Australia, with the sentiment of ‘going out on a high’. After careful consideration I have decided not to accept this contract renewal, and as a result I believe it is in everyone’s best interests for the Australian cricket team to begin the next chapter immediately.
“If media reports are correct, several senior players and a couple of support staff don’t support me moving forward, and it is now apparent the CA board, and you Nick, are also keen to see the team move in another direction. I respect that decision.”
“My life has been built on values of honesty, respect, trust, truth, and performance and if that comes across as ‘too intense’ at times, I apologies.”