'It’s More Fun Winning Than Losing' - Justin Langer Reflects On Australia's T20 World Cup Campaign After Poor Build-Up To The Tournament

Australia head coach Justin Langer admitted that he would have liked it if Australia had won the series against West Indies and Bangladesh, but asserted that those losses were part of a bigger scheme.

Not many gave Australia a chance to even reach the ongoing T20 World Cup final after their 5 consecutive T20I series losses – including against Bangladesh – in the lead-up to the tournament. However, now they sit one victory away from their maiden T20 World title. Standing in their way are rivals New Zealand, who aim for their second ICC title in 2021.

Justin Langer acknowledged that their form coming into the tournament wasn’t ideal. However, he pointed out that they had been missing key players at times in those series losses, which gave him a chance to test the depth in the squad. Now, he feels, that the “pieces of the puzzle are fitting together” really well.

“There was reason why our form on the surface wasn’t as we would have liked,” Justin Langer told reporeters on Friday.

“We had a lot of great faith in the squad, a lot of great faith in the preparation we had. The tours to West Indies and Bangladesh…was brilliant for the depth of our squad and for Australian cricket.”

“It’s more fun winning than losing, I promise, but in the big scheme of things, it’s about this World Cup tournament, so far the pieces of the puzzle are fitting together quite nicely,” he added.

We’re going to have to be at our best to beat New Zealand: Justin Langer

Justin Langer highlighted that the New Zealand cricket team had made immense international cricket strides since their loss to Australia in the 2015 World Cup final. The Kiwis have made it into the final of the last three ICC events, winning the maiden ICC World Test Championship and now have eyes on a maiden T20 title.

The Aussie coach is expecting his team to be at their best if they are to overcome the final hurdle against the Black Caps.

“I think the way New Zealand cricket have gone about their business for the last few years has been outstanding. They’re really a good bunch of blokes. They get on with the job and they get it done. So we’re going to have to be at our best, like we have been throughout this tournament, to beat New Zealand,” the 50-year-old said.

The final will take place in Dubai on Sunday night.

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