On January 31, Fox Sports reported that Langer had “reacted angrily” when the possibility of him re-applying for the post of Australia’s head coach was raised in a “top-secret meeting”. According to the report, the meeting, held last Friday, was attended by CA chief executive Nick Hockley and executive general manager of high performance and national teams Ben Oliver.

Langer, whose current contract is set to end in June, has come under scrutiny for his coaching methods, especially after reports last year suggested that some of the players were unhappy with his style of leadership. While Australia have secured World Cup and Ashes wins in recent months, speculation has continued over whether Langer will continue in his head coach role.

Cricket Australia hit back at the Fox Sports story on Tuesday. “While we do not comment on confidential conversations, we felt on this occasion it was important to correct the record,” said their statement.

“There were a number of inaccuracies in a story written by Tom Morris on the Fox Sports website on Monday concerning a meeting between Australian men’s team Head Coach Justin Langer, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley and EGM of High Performance and National Teams Ben Oliver on Friday.

“While we do not comment on confidential conversations, we felt on this occasion it was important to correct the record. Among other false claims, we reject outright the assertion that the meeting was fiery or heated and that Justin was asked to reapply for his job.

“Justin has always been contracted as Head Coach through to the middle of this year and we have consistently maintained that discussions around the future of the role would commence following the conclusion of the men’s Ashes series.

“Friday’s meeting was an opportunity to meet together in person, reflect on the team’s success and discuss the road ahead. We will continue with this process and make an announcement once it is complete.”

Morris responded to Cricket Australia’s statement on Tuesday, writing for Fox Sports: “CA’s statement, which was not attributed to anyone and which its own website categorised as “unusual”, rejected two key points from Monday’s article.

“One related to the “heated” nature of the meeting. Foxsports.com.au stands by its report. The second related to the possibility of Langer needing to reapply for his job.

“Foxsports.com.au also categorically stands by the fact it was raised in the discussion and that Langer responded pointedly.

“CA’s statement argued Langer was never asked to reapply for his position, but foxsports.com.au agrees and adds that the topic was raised as a possibility, not a certainty.”