Cricket Australia and Justin Langer’s stoush over the future of who holds the reins of Australian cricket has the country perplexed as to why there’s a debate in the first place.
Tried, tested and proven, Langer’s place in no man’s land is as perplexing as Australia’s sudden rise to the peak of world cricket.
What ails a successful country about its unexpected surge to the top strongly suggests that there is a split within the team structure and the coaching department, which may indicate their own takes on the leadership roles, which have been questionable in the recent past.
Whatever the reasoning is, it is not a healthy culture to remaining at the top, and sanity and national pride has got to be paramount to maintaining the current status quo.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Justin Langer has proved as a player that there is no compromise between being a winner and it had to be centred around hard work, guts and glory, but most importantly, integrity.
The lack of acceptance among the new group could well be the reason for the rift, which sadly will be the undoing of Australian cricket.
Seeing the tremendous support Langer has received from all, with and before him, indicates a change in the mindset of the new generation, which may not necessarily mean a shift in the right direction.
It is nice to be at the top with a star-studded line-up filled with some great talent.
But the future is as uncertain as the sudden surge.
And if Langer is not recognised and respected for sky-rocketing Australia’s spike to elitism then the downward spiral could well be as quick if due acknowledgement is not be given to a proven coach.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
The Board meeting was a set date, so probably couldn't do too much about that. I mean, they could have brought the Board meeting forward, with advanced notice for the Directors, but it wouldn't have achieved much. I'm more curious that Hockley and Oliver only met with Langer 7 days before the Board meeting, then had to consider the outcomes of that meeting, formulate a Board recommendation, then the Directors had to receive and consider the recommendation as part of the broader Board pack prior to the meeting (which should typically be a minimum of 4-6 days before the meeting), then had to meet and discuss. It's this last part - the 1 week - that all seems a bit rushed/last minute for mine. Surely sitting down with Langer is a crucial part of the process? Who wants what? What are the expectations? What have been the issues? Areas of improvement? etc. All very compressed in this process..
matth
Roar Guru
McDonald has said he has no interest in the head coach role. Whether that's just a political stance until he sees what happens with Langer is a question.
Paul
Roar Guru
Your first sentence is absolutely spot on. The best coach in the world is completely useless to the best captain or team in the world if both parties can't work well together.
Trevine
Roar Pro
Chemistry is the most important ingredient for a successful recipe Paul. Without it the best captain or coach will achieve little if any at all as time will reveal. It's the start of erosion, and as you pointed out Cricket Australia must step in and nip it in the bud before it escalates out of control.
Paul
Roar Guru
If I've read this right, I think you've made some assumptions that I'm not sure are right, Trevine. You're suggesting there's a rift in the team right now, but I don't get a sense that's the case. No argument there were some issues 12 months ago but those appear to have been sorted out, given the Langer Love that was being shared after the recent World Cup & Ashes successes. The coaching "problem" seems to be more of an issue between Langer & CA, with the media throwing in it's take, just to keep the pot stirring. If anything, that's where the rift is. CA can and should be moving more quickly to sort out this issue, yet are taking their time for some unfathomable reason.
General Secretary Stalin
Guest
A coach doesn't make runs or get wickets. If the players don't require this million dollar a year, 'organiser of net sessions' then it's time to move on. McDonald the 2iC seems to be liked enough and is obviously more than capable in being a Victorian. Appoint McDonald and thank the B.N. Gnome for his time.