Ricky Ponting Reveals Coaching Ambitions, Throws Weight Behind Justin Langer

Australian legend Ricky Ponting has revealed that his new deal with Channel 7 will enhance his chances of coaching. The channel is all set to broadcast Test matches and Big Bash League (BBL) over the next six seasons alongside broadcasting giant Fox Sports.

Having been considered as one of the favourite candidates to take over as a Twenty20 coach for Australian national team, Ponting had lost to his close pal Justin Langer in the race.

However, over the past few years, Ponting has been plying his trade as a coach.

Former Australian batsman Ponting had guided Mumbai Indians (MI) to IPL glory in his three season stint with the franchise.

Ponting is currently working with Delhi Daredevils (DD) as their head coach but found little success so far. Scratchy Daredevils eventually lost in the race for playoffs.

“Being with Channel 7 now, if anything, probably enhances my opportunities to coach whether that be over here in India in the IPL or maybe some more involvement around the Australian team,” Ponting said on Channel 7 from Delhi.

 

“This relationship for me will probably open up more coaching opportunities. That was one of the reasons why I made the decision to do what I do. First and foremost, I love the game of cricket, I love broadcasting the game of cricket,” Ponting asserted.

 

“I’ve had a wonderful last four or five years doing that on the Big Bash coverage back in Australia. I’m excited to do that again for the next few years. I’m sure we’ll get a really exciting and passionate group of commentators to work alongside. The coaching thing will always be there in the background when I need it,” he stated.

Ponting Backs Langer To Succeed –

Ponting had expressed his devastation when Darren Lehmann decided to stand down from the top-brass position. Lehmann moved out after the unraveling of ball tampering scandal at Cape Town. He continued until the end of the Test series and stood down after a successful stint with the national team.

However, Ponting thinks Langer is the right man to lead the Australian cricket at the moment. He threw his weight behind his former teammate during his interaction. The ex-Aussie skipper also insisted he could help Langer out in the future, but only as an assistant coach.

Ricky Ponting said he “couldn’t think of a better man to come in and take over as coach of the Australian cricket team” and would be willing to help Langer out in any way he can.

“I must admit I was devastated for Darren Lehmann to make that decision to stand down like he did,” he said.

 

“I’m a great mate of Darren’s and I think he’s done an amazing job as coach of the Australian cricket team. But I’m probably even closer to Justin Langer. In our playing days, we were probably like inseparable brothers – we did everything together,” he asserted.

 

“Justin is absolutely the right man and if I can get involved in any way trying to help him out, maybe even as an assistant coach around the T20 format or one-day format then absolutely, I’d love to do that,” Ponting concluded.

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