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

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Aussie cricket great Michael Hussey makes astonishing claim Justin Langer’s ‘cowards’ outburst could take high paid stars off their game this summer

Michael Hussey believes Australia’s high-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 spoke out about a number of alleged offenses during his time in charge, including dressing room leaks, delayed feedback from senior players and the Cricket Australia board.

He also claimed that those campaigning for his resignation as head coach were “cowards” and insisted that 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 a week after Australia’s first Test match against the West Indies.

And Australian legend Hussey fears the latest drama engulfing the national squad could serve as a distraction for the highly paid stars.

Hussey has expressed his views on Langer's recent interview

The disgruntled former coach has lifted the lid on his time as leader of the national team

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

“Some guys are going to get upset,” Hussey said news.com.au. “Some guys read all the press and take it all in, and other guys just block it altogether.

“I was someone who didn’t pay attention to media while playing. It’s hard to filter everything out, but I’ve tried to see as few headlines as possible.

“I haven’t read any papers, but there are other guys who are the opposite, who are eager to know what’s going on. Some people like to use it as motivation.

“I know that Michael Clarke used to read all the newspapers and often used criticism as motivation.

Langer hit out at locker room leaks and labeled those who inquired against him as 'cowards'

Langer hit out at locker room leaks and labeled those who inquired against him as ‘cowards’

“Everyone deals with it in their own way. I don’t know if they will talk about it as a team but I would say for the coaching staff the overall message would be ‘Okay let’s just focus on our preparation and focus on our cricket’.

“They’ll try to block it as best they can.”

Hussey briefly worked under Langer, as the former coach took charge of the Perth Scorchers and Western Australia in 2013, highlighting his coaching style.

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

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

“He’s passionate, there’s no doubt about it,” he said of Langer. “He cares so much about the team.

“He almost sees his players as sons, he loves them so much, and sometimes you have to speak sternly to your sons. That’s how it goes as a father, if you see yourself as that father figure.

He is also very passionate about his work. He loved the Australian cricket team.

“Obviously it still hurts him with the way it all turned out, and he’s angry about it.”