'Disrespectful': Former teammate rips Aussies over Langer treatment
Aussie cricket legend Matthew Hayden has come in to bat for his former opening partner Justin Langer after his future as the team's coach came into question this week.
Langer's name has been making headlines this week after his future as Australia's coach remains in the spotlight with just under a year to run on his contract and a Twenty20 World Cup and home Ashes looming.
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The mentor's intense management style has remained a regular talking point, and was brought up by players in an external review earlier this year.
That was addressed by Langer with players in June, while Cricket Australia officials are also reported to have met with senior players this week to talk through the situation.
White-ball captain Aaron Finch this week admitted form had amplified the situation which could resolved by wins, while Test captain Tim Paine reiterated his support when he last spoke in June.
However, cricket legend Hayden has jumped in to defend his former opening partner.
Hayden said Cricket Australia need to be looking at their own approach, rather than that of Langer's, before pointing fingers.
“A lot of the content coming out about this is downright disrespectful to a bloke that’s played over 100 Test matches,” he said in an interview on SEN's The Sporting Capital.
"You tell me what you would rather: someone who doesn't give a s**t or someone who has that intensity and passion?"
“Waste more energy and time thinking about that than discussing a bloke who’s a legend of the game and so passionate about Australian cricket and culture.
Matthew Hayden calls for player accountability
Australia has lost five straight T20 series and lost a home Test series to an understrength India last summer during the biosecurity bubble era.
However, Hayden said it was time for some of the players to be held accountable.
The 103-Test legend said he felt the 'team-first' mantra, instilled during the Alan Border era, was evaporating in an era where players hold multiple contracts.
He also took aim at CA for allowing IPL players skip the recent tours of West Indies and Bangladesh, asking how the coach could be judged when "seven assets" are missing.
"Right now, I think JL needs to get less zen-like and more dragging people to accountability," Hayden claimed.
"Not dissimilar to the opposition government in many ways.
"Because I think he has a fight on his hands with Jolimont St (Cricket Australia) and how it is they are controlling their assets.
"Because you as a coach, if you can't get your best team on the park, how are you going to judge Justin Langer?"
with AAP
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