Former Test opener Justin Langer has slammed as “rubbish” the criticism levelled at Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting. Langer has returned to the national team this summer as an assistant coach and said on Thursday that Ponting remains a strong and skilled leader.

But the skipper is a lightning rod for some critics in the wake of this year’s Ashes loss and the ongoing rejuvenation of an inexperienced national squad.

“It’s a very, very hard job – I never did it, not many people did,” Langer said.

“His record speaks for itself, as a batsman, as a leader he has been outstanding.

“To hear some of this rubbish I hear from former players, it must have been an easy game for them.”

Langer said Ponting’s influence on the younger players in the team is exceptional.

“He is quite inspirational as a leader and I just never get all the detractors he has,” Langer added.

“Whether it’s in the fielding practice, the nets, the way he holds himself off the field – every time he speaks, these young guys just listen, they hang on every word he says.

“He’s the standout athlete, he’s the standout performer and he is a standout human being.

“It’s a new journey for him, but I think he will become a tougher and greater leader from guiding these guys through this period.”

AAP rhv/dpb

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© AAP 2012

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