Justin Langer on his way out? Aussie coach under pressure after players unhappy

Australia national team coach Justin Langer's "micro-management" has apparently not a lot of takers in the cricket side with a lot of players, according to multiple media reports from Australia, even though the former Test opening batsman has denied the claims and said, "couldn't be further from the truth".

The cracks in the Australian national team camp came out in the open after a depleted India without the likes of Virat Kohli came back from behind to beat Australia 2-1 in their home turf.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, some players are not happy with Langer's intrusive management style because of his intensity and mood swings.

The report suggested that Langer is no longer able to cope up with the demands of being a three-format coach.

"Dressing-room sources say that over a gruelling summer, Langer's management style wore thin with some players, who on top of having to live in a bubble for months on end say they have become drained by his intensity and mood swings," the SMH reported.

"...some senior players are frustrated at the atmosphere in the team being brought down by the coach's shifting emotions and what they see as too much micro-management. They say that has extended to bowlers being bombarded with statistics and instructions about where to bowl at lunch breaks including during the fourth and final Test against India at the Gabba," the report further read.

Langer, however, refuted the claims that his relationship with players had soared.

"Couldn't be further from the truth," adding that "leadership isn't a popularity contest." "If players just want someone to tickle their stomachs all the time then I'm not doing my job.

"It's actually the opposite of what happens. I never talk about statistics to the bowlers, ever. I don't go to any of the bowlers' meetings. That's what the bowlers' coach is meant to be doing," he said.

"I don't do any of that. I never, ever, ever speak to any of the bowlers about any of that sort of stuff. And the learnings of the last few months are I should start looking at that more. There are stresses to the job. It’s a big job," he said.

The report further states many Australian current team players now have developed an affinity for assistant coach Andrew McDonald, who they feel is more approachable.

(Inputs from agencies)