Australia's golden generation have come out swinging over Justin Langer's exit, with Ricky Ponting labelling Cricket Australia's handling of the affair as "almost embarrassing".
Ponting led a chorus of criticism of CA from former players on Saturday as Langer quit his post, with an emotional Matthew Hayden, ex-coach John Buchanan, Damien Martyn and Brad Hogg also angry.
It comes after months of support from almost all members of Australia's greatest team of the modern era for their opening batter, including Adam Gilchrist, Steve Waugh and Shane Warne.
With his contract up in June, Langer tendered his resignation with immediate effect on Saturday after only being offered up a short-term deal.
Justin Langer has resigned as coach of the Australian men’s cricket team. Source: AAP
"It's been a really poor six months with the way Cricket Australia have handled some of the better people in Australian cricket," Ponting told ABC Radio.
"Those being Justin Langer and Tim Paine.
"I think it's been almost embarrassing the way they handled those two cases."
Ponting admitted he was disappointed Pat Cummins had not publicly backed the coach, but said he understood the captain was in a difficult situation.
The former captain claimed it was "a very small group" of players and other support staff that had grown tired of Langer's intense style, prompting his exit after a 4-0 Ashes win and maiden Twenty20 World Cup victory.
"That's been enough to force a man that has put his life and heart and soul into Australian cricket," Ponting said.
"It's a really sad day as far as Australian cricket is concerned."
Hayden then argued CA had historically handled crises poorly, frustrated by the drawn-out nature of the Langer situation.
"We're not talking about a rookie," Hayden also said on ABC.
"We're talking about a legend of the game, a centurion, an Ashes-winning and World Cup-winning coach."
Hayden also indicated Langer felt let down by the lack of support from players.
"How do you reckon he's going?" Hayden said.
"If you listen to the Australian captain the other day not mention once any kind of commendation or support for him, I don't think he would be going very well.
"Because that would be extremely hurtful.
"If he was waiting for the current Australian cricket team to be presenting a face of care, I daresay they won't be."
In response, Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley was adamant his organisation had done as promised at the start of the summer and acted in everyone's best interest.
"We obviously respect the views of the greats of the game," Hockley said.
"But really feel that the process that we've undertaken, we've done we've done thoroughly and done in the best interests of Australian cricket."
Justin Langer at Perth Domestic airport on 5 February 2022. Source: AAP
That message little impact on Buchanan, who said Langer should have been given more chance to show he could evolve.
"Nick Hockley basically outlined everything Justin did well, and then basically said he is unable to help the team evolve," Buchanan said.
"There seemed to be a heck of a lot of bureaucratic gobbledygook in that."
Fellow former coach Mickey Arthur was less diplomatic, after having his own messy split with Cricket Australia in 2013.
"Disgraceful way to treat a coach ... offering 6 months is a slap in the face!" Arthur tweeted.
"Either give him a proper extension or move on, by offering six months you effectively say you don't want him but don't have the balls to fire the bullet!"
