Former Australia manager Justin Langer has said some of his former players were “cowards” for complaining about him in the media.
Reports in Australia suggested anonymous players were unhappy with Langer’s leadership style.
He resigned in February, after being offered a six-month contract extension despite winning the T20 World Cup and beating England 4-0 in the Ashes.
“Everyone was nice to me,” Langer, 52, told News Corp.
“But I was reading about this stuff and half, I swear to God and my kids’ lives, I couldn’t believe that was what the papers were doing.
“A lot of journalists use the word ‘source’. I would say, change that word to ‘loose’.
“Because what do you mean by ‘a source says’? Either they have an ax to settle with someone and they won’t come and say it to your face, or they’re just leaking stuff for their own agenda. I hate this.”
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley responded by saying he wanted to “correct the inaccuracies” in Langer’s account.
“I’m disappointed with Justin’s comments unfairly criticizing some of our players,” Hockley said.
“Regular formal and informal opportunities to provide and receive feedback have occurred throughout his tenure, which is consistent with a high performance environment.
“Following a thorough process, Justin was offered a short-term contract extension, which he rejected.”
In May Langer criticized Richard Freudensteinthen acting chairman of Cricket Australia, for his lack of support.
Australia, now coached by Andrew McDonald, start a two-Test series against the West Indies on November 30 in Perth.
