Australia needs a more collaborative cricket coach, says Cummins
09 February 2022 - 16:00
byAndrew Both
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Australia's Pat Cummins. Picture: ACTION IMAGES via REUTERS/PAUL CHILDS
Australia needs a more collaborative, “new style” of coaching, captain Pat Cummins said on Wednesday in his first public comment since former national team coach Justin Langer's departure.
In the wake of Langer’s resignation on Saturday, Cummins and his team have been lambasted by several retired players for not publicly supporting the coach.
Langer left after a nearly four-year reign that was widely seen as instilling integrity and discipline in a team that had been disgraced by a ball-tampering scandal against SA in 2018.
His tenure culminated in a 4-0 beating of England in the Ashes series that ended in January.
Langer departed after Cricket Australia (CA) offered him a contract extension of only six months. Cummins said Langer’s renowned intensity was not the reason he had been offered only six months, describing the CA position as a “brave call”.
“Justin has acknowledged that his style was intense. And it was. He has apologised to players and staff for his intensity,” Cummins said in a statement.
“I think the apology was unnecessary. Because the players were OK with JL’s intensity ... and Justin’s intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards. These are significant legacies.”
According to Cummins, Australian players gave CA feedback over a two-year process that a new coaching style was needed after the excellent foundation provided by Langer.
“We welcome that Cricket Australia invited the players and staff to contribute to CA’s evaluation,” he said.
“CA have made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning.”
Fast bowler Cummins, who took over as captain in November, expanded on his statement during a media conference in Sydney ahead of a five-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka that starts on Friday.
He said the team had enjoyed a “calm” atmosphere recently.
“I think he tweaked his coaching style in the last six months ... but we think now is the right time for a different direction,” he said of Langer.
“The players would benefit from a more collaborative approach.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Australia needs a more collaborative cricket coach, says Cummins
Australia needs a more collaborative, “new style” of coaching, captain Pat Cummins said on Wednesday in his first public comment since former national team coach Justin Langer's departure.
In the wake of Langer’s resignation on Saturday, Cummins and his team have been lambasted by several retired players for not publicly supporting the coach.
Langer left after a nearly four-year reign that was widely seen as instilling integrity and discipline in a team that had been disgraced by a ball-tampering scandal against SA in 2018.
His tenure culminated in a 4-0 beating of England in the Ashes series that ended in January.
Langer departed after Cricket Australia (CA) offered him a contract extension of only six months. Cummins said Langer’s renowned intensity was not the reason he had been offered only six months, describing the CA position as a “brave call”.
“Justin has acknowledged that his style was intense. And it was. He has apologised to players and staff for his intensity,” Cummins said in a statement.
“I think the apology was unnecessary. Because the players were OK with JL’s intensity ... and Justin’s intensity drove a better team culture and higher team standards. These are significant legacies.”
According to Cummins, Australian players gave CA feedback over a two-year process that a new coaching style was needed after the excellent foundation provided by Langer.
“We welcome that Cricket Australia invited the players and staff to contribute to CA’s evaluation,” he said.
“CA have made a brave call to transition, given the team has been winning.”
Fast bowler Cummins, who took over as captain in November, expanded on his statement during a media conference in Sydney ahead of a five-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka that starts on Friday.
He said the team had enjoyed a “calm” atmosphere recently.
“I think he tweaked his coaching style in the last six months ... but we think now is the right time for a different direction,” he said of Langer.
“The players would benefit from a more collaborative approach.”
Reuters
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