Matthew Hayden defends Australia coach Justin Langer amid polarizing opinion

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden has thrown his weight behind under-fire Justin Langer. The 50-year-old's tenure as Australia's head coach has come under the scanner following the side's recent disappointing results in the shortest format. Hayden believes the fraternity needs to stop being disrespectful of the former cricketer.

Under Langer, Australia have gone downhill in Tests and T20Is. They have lost five T20 series on the bounce since last September and find themselves in disarray ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. A few unnamed Australian players have raised issues about Langer's methods of coaching as well.

Former wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has called on the board to decide on the coach's future soon. However, speaking to SEN Radio's The Sporting Capital, Hayden highlighted that rumors about Langer's future as head coach seem quite disrespectful.

Instead, the Queenslander wants discussions amongst journalists on how Australia can raise their ranking across formats. Asserting that his former opening partner is extremely passionate about Australian cricket and its culture, Hayden said:

"A lot of the content coming out about this is downright disrespectful to a bloke that’s played over 100 Test matches. Even this facetious discussion amongst senior players last night that obviously Pete Lalor (The Australian’s chief cricket reporter) was on to about deciding Justin Langer’s future. Umm, hello! What about meeting about the fact you’re No. 3 in Test cricket and No. 3 in ODI rankings, and No. 6 in T20 rankings? Waste more energy and time thinking about that than discussing a bloke who’s a legend of the game and so passionate about Australian cricket and culture."

ICYMI: Australia named their squad for the #T20WorldCup. Details: https://t.co/kyyCfWDOZu pic.twitter.com/TY9TDw2pNy

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 19, 2021

"Leave him alone," says Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden. (Credit: Getty Images)

Hayden feels the players need to listen to Langer. The 49-year old underlined that any replacement would have the same outcome. Also hinting that cricketers are prioritizing their IPL commitments over playing for Australia, he said:

"Leave him alone. Let him do his job and for God’s sake, listen to what he is saying. I’m telling you, if you don’t listen to him, you’re going to have the same results and you’re going to have to listen to someone else that is basically going to say the same thing until you get the message. I personally think there’s a lack of accountability and a lack of control in terms of options for players and where it is that their futures lie."

Amid the polarizing opinion, Cricket Australia and chief selector George Bailey have both backed Justin Langer. As of now, the Western Australian's contract extends until mid-2022.