Australian cricket legend Matthew Hayden has stated he would “never have any part” in coaching the Australian cricket team after the treatment of great mate and West Australian champion Justin Langer.
Langer’s unceremonious departure as head coach of the national team in 2022 was dogged by rumours of a divide with the playing group and tensions among decision-makers.
The 52-year-old was only offered a six-month contract extension at the end of the 2021/22 summer, which he declined, despite steering the team out of their darkest days post sandpaper-gate and guiding them to Ashes retention in England, followed by victory in Australia as well as a maiden T20 World Cup crown.
Hayden and Langer formed one of the most prolific opening partnerships in Australian cricket history, opening together on 113 occasions and scoring 5655 runs together at an average of 51.88.
“I wouldn’t (coach Australia), no,” Hayden told Wisden Cricket Monthly.
“After Justin and his treatment, I wouldn’t have any part of trying to coach Australia because I just don’t feel that’s something I would enjoy.
“I really love Australian cricket, and I really love broadcasting on the current cricket team. I think they’re a magnificent team, but in terms of an investment, no, it’s not something that I’d even consider.”
Hayden spent time as a consultant with the Pakistan cricket team at last year’s T20 cricket World Cup in Australia, helping the side to the final, which they ultimately lost to England.
However, the 52-year-old’s comments went beyond his friendship with Langer as he lamented the lack of past champions currently embedded in the Australian cricket team set-up.
Current head coach Andrew McDonald played four Tests for Australia, while long-time one-day international vice-captain George Bailey is the chairman of selectors.
“What’s quite interesting is that there’s not a former great that is actually at the helm of Australian cricket. Not one,” Hayden continued.
“Not as a chairman of selectors, not as a coach, not as a board director. At no layer is there leadership that’s got a former great player of Australian cricket operating within that team unit.
“That, to me, is surprising considering we’ve just come out of three great eras or decades of Australian cricket.”
Hayden is currently in India commentating on the ODI Cricket World Cup.