Reports: Justin Langer no longer in contention to be England’s head coach
Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer, reportedly, is no longer in contention to become England’s new head coach after Ben Stokes’ name has come up as the next probable captain. Langer stepped down as Australia’s head coach after the team won the Ashes series against England by 4-0, and earlier there had been reports saying he was open to the new role with the ECB.
Two months after he quit his job with Cricket Australia, Andrew McDonald took over the vacant position earlier this month. Reports had suggested that Langer was willing to discuss the role with the ECB as he was tipped as the right fight for the position.
However, according to Telegraph, the former Australian coach will no longer be a part of the race as the ECB worries about how well he would work with Ben Stokes, who is the leading candidate for England’s Test captaincy role. It was stated that Langer would be the right fit for the role if Joe Root had remained to be the leader of the side, as England is looking to split the duties between red-ball and white-ball format.
Derek Pringle never believed Langer to be appointed for the role
Earlier this month, Derek Pringle, former England cricketer had expressed his worries over Langer being pitched in as Chris Silverwood’s successor. “There was a time when English cricket slavishly sought Australian know-how but I’m not sure the desire has endured,” Pringle wrote in a column for the Metro.
“Which is why I think Justin Langer, tipped by some to be the next England head coach, is unlikely to get that job. Langer was a fine, gutsy player but if the current Aussie team felt his coaching style too intense, he will not be a good fit for England, despite calls from some that they need tough love,” he further stated.
After all the debate, the new name that has popped up for England’s Test head coach role is that of former South African batter Gary Kirsten. He has previously coached South Africa, and also coached India to a World Cup victory in 2011. With Rob Key putting out new plans for England, the team will see two people taking over the charge across formats.
