Justin Langer has rejected claims that crowds were down for last summer’s Perth Test due to his messy exit as coach of the Australian team.
Langer’s four-year stint as Australia’s coach came to an end last year after he quit amid reports suggesting his relationship with the players had broken down.
Despite his departure, Langer still remains a wildly popular figure among Australian cricket fans, particularly in his home state.
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Last year’s Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium saw fans carrying a “Justice for JL” banner, that was confiscated by security.
The fans carrying the sign were largely surrounded by empty seats, and Langer was asked if the poor attendance had anything to do with his exit.
“No, I don’t think so. I think it was more to do with COVID. There had been a lot going on after that,” he said.
“I think it made for a great narrative, a great story, but I don’t think that’s the case.”
Langer was then asked what his message to fans angered by Cricket Australia’s treatment of him would be.
“My message would be: remember Rod Marsh, Dennis Lillee, Gilly’s hundred against England, winning the Ashes there after losing in 2005,” he said.
“There are so many amazing memories of Test cricket at the WACA, remember that. Remember all the good stuff.
“Look at all the positives and all the great things that have happened and hopefully that’ll just flick everyone into life and we’ll remember how great Test cricket is.
“I think it’s more than just about one Test match. It’s about keeping Test cricket alive.
“What I learned as a coach is that the Australian public, particularly in the summer, they love Test cricket.”
The 52-year-old’s axing was widely criticised by his former teammates, with his old opening partner Matthew Hayden last week declaring he would not consider coaching Australia as a result.
Langer was on hand alongside fellow cricket great Adam Gilchrist as WA cricket announced Optus Stadium’s makeover ahead of this summer’s Test series against Pakistan.
Four bays of seating will be temporarily removed and replaced by a three-tiered grassed area in a nod to the famous hill section at the WACA, where Australia used to play its Perth Tests.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
