Following weeks of speculation surrounding his future, Justin Langer announced his resignation as head coach of the Australia men’s team on February 5: there were plenty of reactions to the announcement, as well as criticism of Cricket Australia’s treatment of the outgoing coach.

Langer, who took over the reins from Darren Lehmann in the aftermath of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, tendered his resignation after Cricket Australia only offered him a short-term deal for his existing contract that was set to end in June.

In the last six months under Langer, Australia won their maiden T20 World Cup title, following it up with a 4-0 win over England in the Ashes. On Saturday morning, Cricket Australia released a statement announcing Langer’s resignation, and added that Andrew McDonald will take over as interim head coach.

Cricket Australia has today accepted the resignation of men's team head coach Justin Langer. pic.twitter.com/BhjrN9kuF3

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) February 5, 2022

Langer’s former Australia teammates jumped to his defence, calling out Cricket Australia’s handling of the entire situation.

Ricky Ponting, speaking to ABC Radio, said that CA has poorly handled the cases of Tim Paine and now Langer: “It’s been a really poor six months with the way Cricket Australia have handled some of the better people in Australian cricket. Those being Justin Langer and Tim Paine. I think it’s been almost embarrassing the way they handled those two cases.”

An emotional Matthew Hayden, Langer’s long-time opening partner, echoed Ponting’s sentiment to ABC: “It was absolutely clear that no one backed him. The whole thing just reeks of being orchestrated, basically, from the moment all of this garbage started coming out in winter last year. You could see the writing was on the wall.”

“It is disrespectful & very disappointing how a great person in Justin Langer, a great icon of the game has been treated is an absolute mess!” wrote former Australia quick Mitchell Johnson on an Instagram post. “It doesn’t instil confidence in any future coach of the Australian cricket team if this is the way of the future. So angry about this, a legend of the game, a great human, all because he is “intense” f*** me what a world we live in.”

There were reactions from all over the cricketing fraternity, with some suggesting that the next stop for Langer could be a role with England.

In a tweet, Langer’s manager James Henderson mentioned that despite the views of a “faceless few”, Langer finished on a high as coach.

As a player Justin retired on top after a 5-0 Ashes whitewash. Today, despite the views of a faceless few, he finishes his time as Australian cricket coach winning the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. Lest we forget what JL took over in 2018. https://t.co/YWhAWy0awZ

— James Henderson (@jahenderson63) February 5, 2022

Steve Waugh speaks out on Instagram about Justin Langer pic.twitter.com/EPEQKcKnG5

— Oliver Caffrey (@ollycaffrey) February 5, 2022

Disgraceful treatment of Langer.
Would love to know what Langer's KPI's were when he took over the basket case left from South Africa?
He left Australian cricket on top of the world from disaster. Great job mate.#Leadership #cricket #ICC #cricketaustralia

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) February 5, 2022

Disgraceful way to treat a coach… offering 6 months is a slap in the face!
Either give him a proper extension or move on, by offering 6 months you effectively say you don't want him but don't have the balls to fire the bullet! #coachesunion https://t.co/UjB3aykvxr

— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) February 5, 2022

It’s a pretty sad situation when the winning Ashes coach has to go. Clash of methods or personalities or both, no one can dispute Justin Langer’s passion for his country or, being from WA, the immense family sacrifices he made in recent times in particular.

— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) February 5, 2022

Justin Langer’s past 3 months – Winning coach of T20 World Cup + Ashes series, Hall of Fame inductee and then forced to resign.

— Lachy Reid (@Lachy_Reid) February 5, 2022

Langer goes as Aus coach.

Cricket is slowly changing into football now as the players become very wealthy & player power is full steam ahead!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 5, 2022

Justin Langer picked up Australian cricket at its lowest ebb .. He walks away with them T20 World champs & the No1 Test team in the world !! He won’t stay out of work for long .. 👍

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 5, 2022

Wow! Just seen Justin Langer has resigned as Australia coach. Will he be England bound now?

— Rikki Clarke (@RikkiClarke81) February 5, 2022