Reports: Justin Langer ‘open to’ become England’s head coach
Justin Langer has emerged as one of the most high-profile coaches going around and his demand is pretty high. As per the latest developments, the former Australian opener is “open to the possibility” of succeeding Chris Silverwood as England’s head coach amid the side’s horror run in Test cricket. While the Three Lions suffered a 0-4 humiliation in Ashes earlier this year, West Indies recently defeated them 0-1 at home.
Notably, Silverwood was sacked from the position at the helm following the Ashes debacle. As of now, former all-rounder Paul Collingwood is serving as England’s interim head coach. However, if reports are true, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might hire Langer for the full-time role. It must be noted that Langer stepped down as Australia’s head coach last month.
Justin Langer enjoyed a fruitful time as Australia’s head coach
Although he was offered a short contract extension, the southpaw decided to part ways. His tenure with the Aussie team was certainly a roller-coaster as he took over the reins from the outgoing Darren Lehmann amid the ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Under him, the side qualified for the 2019 World Cup semi-finals and lifted a maiden title in the T20 World Cup 2021.
Owing to the same, many members of the cricket fraternity slammed Cricket Australia for not offering Langer a full-fledged contract. However, as per The Telegraph, Langer is open to become the head coach of the English team. It has also been learned that Langer feels “splitting the coaches appears inevitable” amid the clashing schedule of England’s white and red-ball teams.
Hence, he would most likely to take charge of the Test team if he comes on board. Notably, England’s next assignment in the purest format is a three-match series against New Zealand at home in June later this year. Hence, ECB might be keen to bag Langer’s services before the series. Meanwhile, Collingwood is also interested in taking up the full-time role. However, he’s most likely to become the permanent head coach of the white-ball team.
