New Aussie cricket coach announcement
Justin Langer has been announced to replace Darren Lehmann as the Australian cricket team’s new head coach.
Langer will head all three formats of the game with Australia delaying plans to have a specialist Twenty20 coach, reported News Corp.
Langer has been appointed on a four-year deal after Lehmann resigned following the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, which saw three players suspended.
Langer will start his role by leading the team on Australia’s one-day tour of England next month. He will also oversee two Ashes series, a World Cup and a World Twenty20 in 2020.
There was speculation that Ricky Ponting would be chosen as coach for T20 cricket, but Langer will have full control.
Langer had been a clear frontrunner to take the position as head coach after Lehmann’s departure, and had regularly filled in previously as a substitute on past tours.
Chief executive James Sutherland said Langer was the right pick to lead the Australian team.
“While 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,” said Sutherland.
“… 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 we have huge confidence in what he will bring to this role.
“Justin’s work ethic, leadership and values are among his strongest attributes — and he is widely respected across the global cricket community.”
The former Test star had a proud international career and dominated domestic cricket as a coach of Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers in recent years.
“It is humbling to be appointed,” Langer said.
“I would like to thank the Western Australian Cricket Association and the Perth Scorchers for their support over the past six seasons, and for giving me the opportunity to lead and work with two great teams and many exceptional people.
“I’d like to especially thank my family for being with me on this journey and for supporting me in accepting this position.
“I am very excited about the scope I now have to coach the country that supported me so much in my cricketing career.
“There will be some significant challenges ahead for our group, but there is a wealth of talent in Australian cricket that I know will do us all proud.”