Justin Langer in ‘meltdown’ with Australia head coach role on a knife-edge

Langer has enjoyed recent success with the Australian national cricket side, but reports of a rift between him and players could spell the end of his tenure

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Justin Langer was left furious when he was told by Cricket Australia bosses that he would have to re-apply for his current role as head coach despite spending the last three years in the role.

Langer boasts a strong winning record in recent times, having guided the national team to T20 World Cup success and overseen the demolition of England in the Ashes series.

However, according to reports in Australia, not all is well behind the scenes and the 51-year-old could find himself out of a job later this year.

His current deal expires in June, but despite overseeing some successes his reign may be brought to an end over apparent division within the national pool.

The Sydney Morning Herald and Fox Sports both report that Langer has a rift with many players who dislike his “intense and inconsistent micro-management style”.

As a result of those tense relationships in the dressing room, Cricket Australia have told Langer he should re-apply for his role should he wish to continue in the job.

That has reportedly incensed the retired Aussie opening batsman, who believes his performance has earned him a new multi-year deal.

Fox Sports reports Langer’s position is that he will not re-apply for the role if forced to, and speculated that his future in the job might hinge on whether or not he is willing to accept a “short-term” extension if offered.

Captain Pat Cummins is also said to be part of the discussion, with the new skipper set to play a part in the decision over who should lead the Australian national team going forward.

Cummins has spoken well of Langer in public, as has limited overs captain Aaron Finch, but neither had specifically said they believe he is deserving of a new deal.

The Sydney Morning Herald report claims many of Langer’s former team-mates have been doing their best to talk up the idea of keeping him on after the national side’s recent success.

It goes on to state, however, that many of the current crop of players and staff believe “the further Langer is away from the team, the better it performs”.

“Justin is contracted as head coach through to the middle of this year and we have consistently maintained discussions around the future of the role would commence following the conclusion of the men’s Ashes Series,” a spokesperson for Cricket Australia said.

“We have no comment about those confidential discussions.”