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New Australian cricket coach revealed – what we can expect from Justin Langer

The start of the next chapter in Australian cricket.

When Justin Langer was announced as next coach of the Australian men’s cricket team on Thursday it symbolised the start of a new era.

Langer said it was “humbling to be appointed as coach of the Australian men’s cricket team”.

He replaces his predecessor in Darren Lehmann who resigned in March after the controversial ball tampering saga.

He was briefly involved with the Australian cricket team as an assistant coach for three years and as interim head coach twice – the One Day International series against the West Indies in 2016 and a three match T20 series against Sri Lanka in early 2017.

The former opening batsmen retired from international cricket 12 years ago after a career that spanned 14 years. He represented Australia in 105 Tests and eight ODIs.

His main challenge as head coach involves changing the culture of the Australian Cricket team which has been seen as unruly as of late after frequent altercations of sledging.

Despite the obstacles, he has the full support and confidence of Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland.

“We are thrilled to appoint Justin as Bupa Support Team Head Coach of the Australian men’s cricket team,” James Sutherland said.

“We firmly believe Justin is the right person to lead this team and have huge confidence in what he will bring to the role.

“Justin’s work ethic, leadership and values are among his strongest attributes – and he is widely respected across the global cricket community.”

Another challenge that Langer will have to overcome is repairing the reputation of the Australian cricket team in the wake of the ball tampering saga during the unsuccessful tour to South Africa.

“I think one of the things that’s really important is we keep looking to earn respect. To me respect is worth more than all the gold in the world. To earn respect on and off the cricket field,” Langer said.

“It’s not just about how we play our cricket, it’s also about being good citizens and good Australians.”

His six year stint in charge of cricket in Western Australia saw the Sheffield Shield team make the final in 2013-14 and 2014-15, two one day tournament titles in 2014-15 and 2017-18. Langer also took the Perth Scorchers to three T20 Big Bash titles.

Australia’s newest head coach will oversee the Australian men’s cricket team in all three formats of the game for the next four years which will involve two Ashes series, and an ODI and T20 World Cup. His tenure will officially start on 22 May.

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