Usman Khawaja Claims Australian Gamers Are AFRAID of Justin Langer in New Amazon Documentary

Pat Cummins admitted players “walked on eggshells” during Justin Langer’s tenure, while Usman Khawaja claimed some of his team-mates were “scared” of the former Australia manager.

The bombshell allegations will be revealed in the second season of The Test, Amazon’s behind-the-scenes documentary about the Australia cricket team, which premieres January 13.

Usman Khawaja has revealed that some Australian players were scared of Justin Langer

Langer had a prominent role in the first season, but resigned halfway through filming the four-part sequel under acrimonious circumstances.

The former Australian opener left his role in February just months after coaching Australia to T20 World Cup and Ashes glory.

Langer parted ways with Cricket Australia after he was offered a contract to only stay in charge until the end of the T20 World Cup in 2022, rather than the long-term deal he wanted.

His position has been the subject of debate since the summer of 2021, when Australia lost a Test series to India at home and reports of dissatisfaction with his methods surfaced.

In the documentary, Cummins reveals the toll Langer’s demanding nature had taken on the team.

The new series of The Test, Amazon’s behind-the-scenes documentary about the Australia cricket team, will be released on January 13th

“Players and staff really crave consistency,” he says in The Test.

“In recent years there have been times when the environment just hasn’t been like that. Some people felt like walking on eggshells.

“The players wanted to create their own environment and we take responsibility for the team.”

Khawaja praises Langer for “bringing the humility back to the Australian cricket team” after the Sandpapergate scandal that spelled the end of Steve Smith as captain, but is even more outspoken in his assessment of the former coach.

Pat Cummins (left) admitted some of the players were “walking on eggshells” near Langer.

“There were a lot of guys who didn’t speak up, who didn’t talk and who were scared of JL [Justin Langer]says the opener in the documentary.

‘That’s the truth.’

Nathan Lyon, meanwhile, conceded that Langer’s coaching style was an emotional roller-coaster ride that had taken a toll on some of the players.

“I’ve always said that you can never criticize someone who is extremely passionate about what they do, and that’s what JL is,” the off-spinner said.

Langer led Australia to T20 World Cup glory and receiving the Ashes last year

The former Australia opener stepped down from his role as Australia’s head coach in February

“Do I have to deal with some ups and downs? Yes. Probably the biggest feedback from me was only on the emotional level [from] JL’

Two months ago, Langer reignited his war of words with Cricket Australia when he smashed “an ax to grind” the “cowards” within the organization who reportedly advocated his sacking despite his success and reputation with players.

Langer’s claims were strongly refuted by Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley, who was blunt about his “disappointment” at the comments.

The former manager’s bitter departure sparked rumors of a rift between the manager and several players, including Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins.

Nathan Lyon (left) likened Langer’s coaching style to an “emotional rollercoaster ride”

However, Langer insisted he had no problems with the fast bowler, a sentiment echoed by Cummins.

“There are no cowards on an Australian cricket team, never,” he said ahead of the series against the West Indies in November.

“I think it’s disappointing at times that the focus is shifted to off-field issues, but it hasn’t really impacted our team. I think he has no ill will [Langer] tried to do and he explained [his comments] after that.’

Australian players loudly praised the more relaxed style of Langer’s replacement, Andrew McDonald, and welcomed the opportunity to express themselves more freely.

Mitchell Starc (right) has praised Cummins (left) and new coach Andrew McDonald for allowing the Aussie team to take a more relaxed approach

“I felt like since Andrew McDonald it’s probably been a little bit more like that than before,” Marnus Labuschagne told News Corp.

Mitchell Starc struck a similar tone, noting Cummins’ deserved praise for the change in approach.

“It’s been a great environment for a long time in recent years and I think that continues now with Andrew [McDonald] and pat [Cummins] responsible,” said the Australian quickly.

“Just freedom to express yourself as players and people off the field. It will appear on the field as a group. Seeing the smiles on their faces and the joy of the group and each other’s success.

“The performance we’ve shown in a number of series speaks to that now.”