Mitchell Starc has denied allegations of a rift among the players in the aftermath of former coach Justin Langer’s angry comments.
Starc also stated that he had a positive relationship with Langer.
Mitchell Starc on Justin Langer
Prior to the first Test against the West Indies, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc talked with the media. Additionally, Starc commented on the controversy surrounding former coach Justin Langer‘s open discussion of his controversial exit from the locker room earlier this year. Starc insisted that he had not heard the interview and that he still gets along well with their old coach.
Langer called the Australian players “cowards” for talking behind his back and orchestrating his dismissal as a coach in a scathing attack during an appearance on the Back Chat podcast. He merited a longer extension than the initial six months, the West Australian emphasized.
Didn’t expect anything less than the honesty JL gave in this one.
See the full chat with Justin Langer on @backchat__ here:https://t.co/VZMCbGEIhi pic.twitter.com/uEGvZof18P
— Will Schofield (@WillSchofield) November 22, 2022
“We’re comfortable, we’ve spend a lot of time together as a three format group. It’s all preparation for this Test match. Not too much is going to distract us. I have a pretty good relationship with Langer. We exchanged text messages post the World Cup. I’m pretty comfortable with my relationship with JL,” Starc said.
However, Langer made it clear two days later that he has nothing but admiration for Pat Cummins and the rest of the team and that he does not oppose the national side.
Starc has also expressed his enthusiasm for the return of Test cricket to Perth and his desire to see a full stadium. The West Indies continue to worry the left-arm pacer.
“Always had great crowds in Perth. There’s been a lot of talk about not having Test cricket over here for a long time. Hopefully the public can support that. Show us what Test cricket means to them. Definitely not taking any teams lightly. We know what the West Indies can serve up at their best. It’s a good chance to kick-start our summer of Test cricket and hopefully some exciting cricket will be played,” he added.
