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Cricket Australia has appointed Justin Langer as head coach of the men’s cricket team for four years, with his tenure to start at the end of the month.
From 22 May Langer will take control of Australia in all three formats of the game, including two Ashes series, a World Cup and an international T20 tournament.
Langer comes to the role having held the role of head coach of Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers since November 2012, winning two One-Day Cup titles and three Big Bash League championships.
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“We firmly believe Justin is the right person to lead this team and have huge confidence in what he will bring to the role,” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said.
“Justin’s work ethic, leadership and values are among his strongest attributes – and he is widely respected across the global cricket community.”
Sutherland said long-term succession planning during Darren Lehmann’s tenure in the top job meant Cricket Australia had already assessed options by the time the outgoing coach had stepped down.
“The plan has allowed us to consider several worthy candidates, but Justin was the clear standout, particularly based on his recent coaching and player development achievements,” he said.
Langer, 47 years old, is a veteran of 360 first-class matches featuring 28,000 runs and played a central role in one of the Australian Test team’s most dominant eras.
Having represented his country on the field in 105 Test matches, Langer described his elevation to the head of the Australian men’s team as “humbling”.
“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.”
Langer will preside over a team lacking two of its best international batsmen in Steve Smith and David Warner, both of whom are serving 12-month bans for the ball-tampering scandal that engulfed the team six weeks ago.
The new coach acknowledged the challenge but said he’s looking forward to making an impact on the team.
“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.”
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