Cricket Australia names Justin Langer as head coach of Australia across all three formats. The 47-year-old starts his new role on May 22 for a four-year term which takes in two Ashes series, a World Cup and a World T20 tournament.
He takes the post at a time of when Australian cricket is at a low following the 12-month suspensions of former captain Steve Smith and David Warner over ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Former head coach Darenn Lehmann also resigned following the controversial act.
“The expectations are high in the Australian cricket team. We have got to make sure the behaviours are good. If we do that, I think the outcomes will look after themselves,” Langer told a media conference.
“I think one of the things that’s really important is that we keep looking to earn respect. To me, respect is worth more than all the gold in the world.”
The ball tampering incident is under scanner after it spoiled Cricket Australia’s reputation.
“We all know what the acceptable behaviours are. There is a difference between competitiveness and aggression and we’ve got to be careful with that,” Langer said.
“We look to encourage great cricketers, but also great people. So we if we can encourage great people and great Australians over the next four years, I think that’s a really important foundation for us.”
Langer comes into the job after dominating domestic cricket in recent years as coach of Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers in BBL since 2012.
CA chief executive James Sutherland said he was the “clear standout” choice. “Whilst Darren Lehmann was not due to complete his term until next year, we have had a succession plan in place for this role for some time,” Sutherland said.
“The plan has allowed us to consider several worthy candidates, but Justin was the clear standout, particularly based on his recent coaching and player development achievements.
“We firmly believe Justin is the right person to lead this team and have huge confidence in what he will bring to the role.” Langer had a highly decorated playing career, representing Australia in 105 Test matches and eight ODI matches.
Langer scored more than 7,696 Test runs, including 23 centuries in 105 tests and 160 runs in 8 ODIs for a career spanning over 20 years.
Cricket Australia names Justin Langer as head coach of Australia
