Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley defended Justin Langer on Wednesday after mounting concern over his management style sparked uncertainty around his position heading into the Twenty20 World Cup and a home Ashes series. Langer faced controversy again last week after reports of a heated argument with a Cricket Australia journalist following a poor white-ball tour of the West Indies and Bangladesh. "Justin, his coaching staff and the leaders within the team have an equally important part to play in ensuring a successful summer ahead for the Australian cricket team." Earlier this week, Langer's friend and former team-mate Adam Gilchrist said growing speculation around his position could "derail the summer", while urging Cricket Australia to stamp out leaks to the media. While Langer has been widely praised for restoring the culture of the Australian team, rumours of dressing-room friction have never been far away.

Source: News 24 August 18, 2021 12:33 UTC