Langer lamented ‘bull---politics’

JUSTIN Langer has broken his silence at his departure from Australian cricket, claiming “bull---- politics’’ had marred his final year in the job.

Langer stepped down as Australian coach this year after rejecting a token sixmonth contract extension offer following continued reports the players had been worn down by his intense style.

A large group former players, many of whom had played with Langer, questioned how a coach who had lost one game all summer and won the Ashes and T20 World Cup could be effectively shown the door.

Langer, who has been replaced by Andrew McDonald, broke his silence at a Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA function in Perth, revealing details of a conversation with Cricket Australia chairman Richard Freudenstein the day after he stood down.

“The first thing he said to me was: ‘It must make you feel so good that all your mates are supporting you in the media’,” Langer said.

“I said: ‘Yeah it is acting chairman, but with all due respect, those mates are also the all-time greats of Australian cricket. They are the fabric of Australian cricket. They are Australian cricket. They also work all around the world in cricket. So yeah, I’m glad my mates are looking after me. Imagine if you had have.’

“Ironically, the last six months of my coaching career were the most enjoyable period of 12 years of coaching.

“Not only did we win everything, but I had energy, and I had focus, and I was happy – besides the bulls---- politics.”

Langer was linked with the English coaching job, but denied he was keen on the role.