Justin Langer RESIGNS as the coach of Australia’s cricket team
Justin Langer RESIGNS as the coach of Australia’s cricket team after MONTHS of speculation about his contract – here are all the frontrunners to replace him
By Ashlea Knickel For Daily Mail Australia
Published: | Updated:
Justin Langer has resigned as coach of the Australian men’s cricket team, ending six months of speculation around his role.
On Saturday it was announced Langer has ended his four years of coaching with Australian cricket following Australia’s 4-0 Ashes victory over England.
Langer had met with Cricket Australia officials on Friday night, just hours after a marathon board meeting where his future was front and centre.
Justin Langer has resigned as coach of the Australian men’s cricket team, ending six months of speculation around his role
For months there has been speculation over whether the 51-year-old cricket hero’s contract would be renewed or terminated.
However, to the surprise of many, Langer’s management announced he was instead resigning.
‘DSEG confirms that our client Justin Langer has this morning tendered his resignation as coach of the Australian men’s cricket team,’ Langer’s management group posted on social media.
‘The resignation follows a meeting with Cricket Australia last evening. The resignation is effective immediately.’
Langer’s manager James Henderson also shared the news on his Twitter.
‘As a player Justin retired on top after a 5-0 Ashes whitewash,’ he wrote.
‘Today, despite the views of a faceless few, he finishes his time as Australian cricket coach winning the T20 World Cup and the Ashes. Lest we forget what JL took over in 2018.’
Langer had taken over the national coaching position from Darren Lehmann in 2018 following the Cape Town ball-tampering controversy in March.
Last week Langer had been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame but formerly reported poor relationships with senior players had led to rumours of the coach’s contract termination.
An external review last year found players thought Langer’s coaching style overly harsh.
JUSTIN LANGER’S POTENTIAL SUCCESSORS:
ANDREW McDONALD
The most likely option and the man who is expected to take over in the interim for the Test tour of Pakistan. Has filled in for Langer in previous white-ball series and also has an apprenticeship in charge of Victoria. Has overseas roles in franchise Twenty20 leagues, but could easily drop them to take on the top job in Australia.
JASON GILLSESPIE
A genuine option when Darren Lehmann quit following the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 before Langer won the role. The former quick was also linked to the England role in 2019 after a stint with Yorkshire that included two straight County titles. If he doesn’t land the Australian job, there is every chance England could look at the South Australian coach to replace the departed Chris Silverwood.
TREVOR BAYLISS
Australian coach who guided England to their last Ashes win in 2015 as well as the 2019 ODI World Cup title. Is now back in Sydney coaching the Thunder as well as various other Twenty20 roles around the world. Has a close relationship with several players through his time in charge of NSW last decade, in particular captain Pat Cummins, with both hailing from Penrith. A known supporter of splitting the coaching role between red and white-ball formats.
GREG SHIPPERD
An outside option who has made a name for himself with a long history of success in Australian domestic cricket. Would also be well equipped for a white-ball role if it was split, given his recent success at the Sydney Sixers as well as four seasons in charge in the early days of the Melbourne Stars. Again has a close bond with many players after his time in the domestic roles.
MICHAEL DI VENUTO
Another assistant alongside Andrew McDonald and Jeff Vaughan. Would be the biggest outside shot on the list. Has been in and out of Australia’s set up since 2013 as a batting coach, while also gaining head-coach experience at Surrey between 2016 and 2020. Alongside McDonald and Vaughan, has taken on more responsibility in recent months after Justin Langer agreed to loosen his grip somewhat during the Twenty20 World Cup win.
