Justin Langer Believes Cricket Behind Closed Doors Could Be An Option When Shutdown Lifts

Australia’s head coach, Justin Langer believes that cricket should be back on track with games being played behind closed doors if things ease out after the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes that in this manner cricket can certainly be brought back to life earlier than it eventually will.

It is quite notable that the Kiwis and Kangaroos had to play a three-match ODI series. Australia won the first match of the series by 71 runs which was played behind closed doors. The second and third ODIs were due to be played but both the boards decided to call off the tour.

Now, Langer thinks that playing cricket without fans in the stadiums is an option worth considering if it helped get the game going again after the worst of the coronavirus crisis has passed.

Justin Langer Wants Cricket To Continue Behind Closed Doors

“When you started off playing underage cricket, there’s no crowds there,” the Western Australian told BBC radio.

“Maybe your mum and dad came and watched, or your brother and sister were bored and playing on the swings somewhere else. You played it because you loved playing the game, you loved playing with your mates and you loved playing the game,” he added.

“The Australian cricket team are so fortunate to play in front of big crowds every time we play,” he added.

“But for the love of the game, and for still being able to entertain people through TV sets or radio, then there’s value in that. Yes it’s different, but we’ll never, ever, ever take for granted how lucky we are, ever again. We are so lucky in what we do,” Langer said.

Australian Cricket Faces The Wrath Of Coronavirus Pandemic

The Australian team had the experience of playing behind closed doors in the opening match of their most recent ODI series against New Zealand at the Sydney Cricket Ground on March 13. Cricket Australia have delayed the announcement of their contract list for the next year and Test skipper Tim Paine said last week the players were braced for pay cuts.

Paine said last week that it would not take Einstein to figure out that Australia’s next scheduled action, a Test series against Bangladesh in June, would not take place.