Starc has 'pretty good relationship' with former Australia head coach Langer

Mitchell Starc says he has a "pretty good relationship" with Justin Langer after the former Australia head coach denied a rift between himself and the players.

Langer this week accused sources who leaked stories to the media during his time in charge of the national team of being "cowards".

Speaking on the Back Chat podcast, the ex-Australia opening batter bemoaned a lack of honest feedback given by his players before he ended his reign in February.

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley responded by expressing his disappointment with Langer for "unfairly criticising" the players.

Speaking ahead of Australia's first Test against West Indies at Optus Stadium in Perth, which starts next Wednesday, paceman Starc revealed he has no problem with Langer.

"I have a pretty good relationship with Langer," he stated. "We exchanged text messages post the [T20] World Cup. I'm pretty comfortable with my relationship with JL.

"[It] was mentioned that there could be some noise around [this Test], obviously being in the west, [but] we're comfortable. [We] spend a lot of time together as a three-format group.

"It's all preparation for this Test match. Not too much is going to distract us. I'm sure we'll see [Langer] at the ground and throughout the summer."

SQUAD: The Test summer is almost here Here's the 13 players in contention to face the West Indies in Perth (Nov 30 - Dec 4) and Adelaide (Dec 8-12). https://t.co/Zh2kdufP5Q pic.twitter.com/s0uedn0xee

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 8, 2022