Michael Hussey claims Australia’s star players could be distracted by Langer’s ‘cowards’ outburst

Michael Hussey believes that Australia’s highly-paid cricket stars may be distracted by Justin Langer’s latest eyebrow-raising outburst ahead of a summer of Test cricket.

In an explosive interview, former Australia coach Langer hit out at a number of alleged transgressions during his stint in charge, including leaks within the dressing room, delayed feedback from senior players and the Cricket Australia board.

He also claimed those who campaigned for his removal as head coach were ‘cowards’ and insisted the majority of players supported him. 

His comments have sparked a war of words, with CA chief Nick Hockley refuting the disgruntled coach’s claims, which have come just one week out from Australia’s first Test match against the West Indies.

And Australia legend Hussey fears that the latest drama to engulf the national side could serve as a distraction for the highly-paid stars.    

Michael Hussey (L) says Justin Langer’s (R) claims could have a lasting impact on Australia

‘Some guys it will upset,’ Hussey told news.com.au. ‘Some guys read all the press and take it all in, and other guys just completely block it out altogether.

‘I was someone that took no notice of any media when I was playing. It’s hard to filter everything out, but I tried to see as little headlines as possible.

‘I didn’t read any newspapers, but there’s other guys who are the opposite, that like to know what’s going on. Some people like to use it for motivation.

‘I know Michael Clarke used to read all the papers and often use criticism as motivation.

Langer hit out at dressing room leaks and labelled those who briefed against him ‘cowards’

‘Everyone will sort of handle it in their own way. I don’t know if they’ll talk about it as a team, but I’d say for the coaching staff, the general message would be, ‘Ok, let’s just concentrate on our preparation and concentrate on our cricket’.

‘They’ll try and block it out as best as they possibly can.’

Hussey has worked under Langer briefly, when the former coach took charge of the Perth Scorchers and Western Australia in 2013, and shone a light on his coaching style.

Hussey said Langer cares deeply about his players amid reports of his intense coaching

‘He’s passionate, there’s no question about that,’ he said of Langer. ‘He cares so much about the team. 

‘He almost sees his players as sons, he loves them that much, and sometimes you need to speak sternly to your sons. That’s the way it goes as a dad, if you see yourself as that father figure.

‘He’s very passionate about his job as well. He loved the Australian cricket team.

‘It’s obviously still hurting him a fair bit with the way it all sort of played out, and he’s upset about it.’