During India’s tour of Australia two years ago Justin Langer was confronted by Usman Khawaja in a team meeting and told that players were intimidated by the coach and “walking on egg shells around him”., which provided a fascinating peek behind the scenes of the national team.Two years later, the cameras are no longer following the players’ every move but the situation following another home Test series defeat to India appears much the same.
During the Brisbane Test Langer ordered a player not to persist with a habit of jamming a toasted sandwich in his pocket to eat on the field. Contacted on Friday, Langer disputed any suggestion his relationship with players had deteriorated, saying it “couldn’t be further from the truth”. But he added that “leadership isn’t a popularity contest”.
He said he had only ever once quoted his father, who reminded him about why he had taken the team to Gallipoli, telling him to “harden up, son” at the prospect of quarantining in Adelaide after last year’s white-ball tour of England. “You’re walking on against India, we’re trying to win a Test match and one of our players walks on with a toasted sandwich in his hand,” Langer said. “I spoke to [the player] about it at length yesterday. I said, ‘How do you reckon it looks, mate?’ Is that not something I should say?“
As much as life on the road is part of the job and, as Langer points out, has been for years, players have spoken about the toll it takes. Until they were set free in Brisbane last week, the coach, and many of the players, had varying degrees of limitations on their movements going back to last August between a tour of England, the Indian Premier League and the home season.
ChrisBarrett_ wutube He looks like a moody bastard
😂😂
ChrisBarrett_ wutube Well well well .... and here we go.
ChrisBarrett_ wutube Langer was a good opening batsman. For a time I believe he coached the West Aus team. But I have my doubts he is a good coach. Think KATICH was better at both. If he is responsible for team tactics I think his approach (when we are well in front and bowling) is far too timid.
ChrisBarrett_ wutube Not sure if this is true or not, but if Usman Khawaja, with a test average over 40 and 8 centuries is not in the top 6 batsmen in Australia then you begin to wonder what’s going on.
ChrisBarrett_ wutube The same ones used by New Idea possibly.
ChrisBarrett_ wutube What sources you muppets
ChrisBarrett_ wutube Punt JL - bring in Dizzy
ChrisBarrett_ wutube Watching 'The Test' TV Series on prime was painful. The Cricketers were put under tremendous scrutiny by a highly strung Justin Langer as Coach. India came back strongly after 36 run Adelaide debacle by not analyzing too much and having faith in their skills.
ChrisBarrett_ wutube Clearly they need to get Craig Bellamy in.