Australia is striving to be the most professional and honest team in world cricket, coach Justin Langer said on Saturday as the squad prepares for its first international tour following a damaging ball-tampering scandal.
Speaking to reporters in Brisbane as the team readies for a five-match One-Day International series in England next month, Langer said it was aspiring to a culture of world-best professionalism, honesty and humility.
“It doesn’t matter how much money you have got or how many games or how many runs. If you’re not a good bloke — that’s what people remember,” Langer said he recently told the group.
“Our mateship is really important. Sticking together is really important — that’s all of us in the Australian cricket team. If we behave well on and off the field, then hopefully we will earn some respect back and some trust back,” he said.
“The Australian public obviously loves the Australian cricket team and there is more to it than just being good cricketers.”
The former opener said the team would not be “mimicking” the styles of other international teams as it tries to improve its one-day record.
