Cricket Australia appoints Justin Langer as men's national team coach

Langer's appointment as the head coach of the national team came a year prior to his expected ascension. He has signed a four-year deal with the national body.

A gritty cricketer, his appointment has been met with positive reactions from former players, who are sure that his simple methods will restore glory and augur well for the Australian men's cricket team, which in the recent past has been subjected to harsh criticism for its lack of integrity. Questions have also been raised about the culture inside the dressing room.

"It is humbling to be appointed as coach of the Australian men's cricket team," Langer said.

"I would like to thank the Western Australian Cricket Association and the Perth Scorchers for their support over the past six seasons, and for giving me the opportunity to lead and work with two great teams and many exceptional people. 

"I'd like to especially thank my family for being with me on this journey and for supporting me in accepting this position.

"I am very excited about the scope I now have to coach the country that supported me so much in my cricketing career.

"There will be some significant challenges ahead for our group, but there is a wealth of talent in Australian cricket that I know will do us all proud.

"I'm thoroughly looking forward to working with all players, as we strive for a successful men's team across all formats, with the support and respect of the Australian public," he said.

Former Australian coach and Langer's predecessor Darren Lehmann, who resigned shortly after the South Africa Test series scandal, took to Twitter to congratulate his former national team mate.

"Great appt, congrats to Alfie @CricketAus will do a great job. #bestjobintheworld," he said.

Jason Gillespie, former Australian quick, tweeted, "A fantastic appointment! Very excited for my mate Alfie. The Australian Cricket Team is in great hands. #proud."

Victory in India the ultimate test

During his first press conference as the head coach of the Australian men's cricket team, Langer said that even though there are several showpiece events lined up in the next couple of years, his role as a coach and his teams's mettle will be tested during their tour to India, three years from now.

"We’ve got a World Cup, a T20 World Cup, a couple of Ashes (in 2019 and 2021-22) – I get nervous when I start thinking about it," Langer said.
"There are some big tournaments coming up.

"But ultimately, if I fast forward it, the Indian Test tour in about three or four years’ time, to me that’s the ultimate.

"We will judge ourselves on whether we’re a great cricket team if we beat India in India.

"I look back on my career, the Mount Everest moment was 2004 when we finally beat India in India.

"We’ve got to get better at playing overseas, we become a great team if we win overseas and at home so that will be something for us to aspire to."

Smith and Warner are like cream on the top

The Australian coach also reflected on the suspended trio of Cameron Bancroft, David Warner and Steven Smith, hailing the latter two as the 'cream on the top' when it comes to big tournaments.

"It’s hard to replace their runs and their experience," he said about Warner and Smith.

The duo have scored 37 percent of the Test runs Australia have scored since the last four years.

"Over the next 11 months, there’s a chance for some guys to take their opportunities … to even make us stronger, and add to the depth," he said.

"They (Smith and Warner) are like the cream on the top, when it comes to big tournaments.

"You can build the depth and then you’ve got some great players coming back in, that’s a pretty exciting time," Langer added.