Ricky Ponting Ready to Get his Hands Dirty and Lessen Pressure on Justin Langer

Who’d have thought Australia would face the crisis in world cricket? The past year brought the transformation on the table. It all began when the trio – Smith, Warner and Bancroft were found guilty in Sandpaper gate, and thus faced respective suspensions for their acts. Later, then coach, Darren Lehman also stepped aside. In his place, former Australia opener, Justin Langer was named as the head coach of the team. Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting, who recently got appointed as Australia’s assistant batting coach for the 2019 World Cup noted the job has been challenging for Langer.

Ponting ready to lessen Justin Langer’s workload

In the quest to get Australia back to where they belong, the top of the table; Ricky Ponting is prepared to get his hands dirty and do everything possible to make it happen. Not only this but also he plans to lessen the workload off Langer’s shoulders and work towards a common purpose.

“I think it’s been as hard on him as it possibly could be just because of the situation Australian cricket has found itself in with some senior players being out, a lot of changes happening internally,” said the former Australia captain.

However, there was no silver lining for the Australian cricket after that episode. The defending champions first got whitewashed in ODIs in England before going down against Pakistan in Tests at the UAE. If it didn’t seem bad, their home ODI series loss to South Africa only widen the wound. Tim Paine, who had been at the helm of things, in Tests especially; couldn’t inspire Australia to win Border-Gavaskar trophy at home against India. Later, Virat Kohli-led India won the ODIs 2-1, matting the Australian pride entirely.

We are mates, and we can solve it – Ponting on working with Langer

As the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales approaches, CA appointed Ricky to assist Langer. The veteran Aussie captain shared his thoughts on how things should change in the dressing room. Ponting said,

“Knowing what Justin is like as well, I’m not . . . well, I will say it, he’s a bit of a control freak. He wants to make sure that everything is exactly how he wants it to be and that’s the way it should be as the head coach of the Australian cricket team.

“You should have everything lined up the way you want it. He’s just come into the job at a really difficult time.

“That’s what makes it even more exciting for me to get in and get my hands dirty and help him out as much as I possibly can. We are great mates. We know each other really well.

Meanwhile, Australia’s next assignment is the away limited-overs tour to India, which begins on February 24th in Vizag.