Australian coach Justin Langer says he and his players felt like “punching bags” after copping “relentless” criticism from the media during a summer he described as one of the toughest periods he has endured.

In a candid interview ahead of Thursday’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Brisbane, Langer reflected on a poor period for the national side in which they were completely outplayed in Melbourne before escaping with a draw at the SCG, which resulted in Australia suffering a first-ever home series defeat to India.

Feeling the pressure: Australian coach Justin Langer speaking at a media conference. Credit:AAP

Langer took over from Darren Lehmann in May in unceremonious circumstances following the ball-tampering saga in South Africa and has opened up on a period he believes will make him stronger in the long run.

“Melbourne and Sydney for Christmas this year, those two Tests, it was one of the toughest times I’ve had professionally,” Langer said on SEN Radio. “We felt like punching bags through a lot of criticism in the media. India were a really tough opponent but I’m sure in 10 years I will look back and say, ‘Jeez, that was a tough time but I’m better for it’.