Justin Langer Retains Australia’s Head Coach Post; To Lead The Side In Forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 And The Ashes
Published - 18 Aug 2021, 06:54 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:51 AM
Justin Langer will lead the role of Australia’s head coach till next year. Cricket Australia has issued a vote of confidence in the former Australian cricketer to guide the national team for some more time. As a result, Justin Langer will be the head of the team in the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and the following The Ashes tournament against England.
Justin Langer’s role of head coach came under scrutiny after Australia lost the home Test series against India 1-2 in January this year. His coaching style and grumpy demeanour also became a topic of discussion since 2018, after the ball-tampering incident.
Australia’s recent T20I series defeat to Bangladesh also added to Langer’s woes. With some crucial players out of the squad, Australia lost to Bangladesh in the T20I series 1-4, along with facing their lowest-ever T20I total of 62 in the final T20I match.
Cricket Australia Retains Justin Langer As Head Coach Till Next Year
In an official statement, Cricket Australia informed that they have extended Justin Langer’s contract till the middle of next year and wants him to focus on the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and The Ashes series.
“Justin (Langer) has done an incredible job in raising the culture, values and behaviours of the Australian men’s team since he took on the role in 2018,” the statement said. “His efforts have restored public faith in the national team which is a side all Australian’s can be incredibly proud of.
“He is contracted as Head Coach through to the middle of next year with the focus now on a successful T20 World Cup campaign followed by the home Ashes defence in what is one of the most anticipated Series and summers of cricket in Australia for many years”, the CA’s statement read.
The statement also mentioned that despite the Covid-19 pandemic in the last 18 challenging months, the Australian team has found success in international cricket when all the players were available.
“Like many in the community and around the world the team has had an extremely disruptive and challenging 18 months during the pandemic. Despite those challenges the side has had great success in One-Day, Test and T20 cricket, when all players were available.
“Justin, his coaching staff and the leaders within the team have an equally important part to play in ensuring a successful summer ahead for the Australian cricket team,” the statement further said.
Ahead of the Bangladesh 4-1 loss, Australia faced a 4-1 defeat against the West Indies in the T20I series at an away tour. Australia has lost their last five T20I series against England, India, New Zealand, West Indies, and Bangladesh.
Australia will commence their ICC T20 World Cup 2021 journey on October 23, with their first encounter against South Africa. With strong teams like England, West Indies, and South Africa in their Super-12 stage, Australia faces a tough challenge to make way for the semi-finals.
