Justin Langer would be a really good Test coach for England, says Darren Lehmann
New Delhi, July 18
Former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann has backed his compatriot Justin Langer to clinch the vacant position of England's men's Test head coach, while revealing that he himself has not been approached for the high-profile job.
The England Test coaching role fell vacant following the sacking of Brendon McCullum last week. Former England coach Andy Flower has already ruled out a return to the post due to his franchise commitments with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and London Spirit in The Hundred.
All of this makes Langer the apparent frontrunner to get the top job. Lehmann, who currently coaches Northamptonshire in the English county circuit, presided over Australia's 5-0 Ashes whitewash win in 2013-14 before stepping down in 2018.
Asked whether he would consider crossing the Ashes divide to coach England, Lehmann told Sky Sports, "I'm very happy coaching Northants and I haven't had any phone calls. You'd certainly listen to it. I'm sure there are so many applicants."
He also felt that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) might already have a replacement lined up. "My feeling is they've already made up their mind. If you remove someone mid-summer, you've got somebody in mind," Lehmann said.
Langer had succeeded Lehmann as the Australian coach in 2018. Under his guidance, Australia retained the Ashes in England in 2019 after a drawn series, and later secured a comprehensive 4-0 triumph at home in 2021/22. However, Langer resigned in February 2022 amid reports of a fallout with senior players.
Endorsing Langer for the role, Lehmann said, "If he (Langer) were to go for it, he'd be a really good coach. Whoever takes it on they've got some really talented players. I see some good players in the county system."
If given the role, Langer faces a scheduling conflict - he's currently the head coach with Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred. Taking up the top job will mean he will have to relinquish his franchise T20 cricket coaching roles.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think England needs a coach who understands their current system. Andy Flower ruled out because of IPL and The Hundred commitments - typical franchise cricket conflict. ECB should look within their own system instead of recycling Aussie coaches every time.
Lehmann saying he hasn't been approached but would "listen" - typical diplomatic Aussie response! 😂 But honestly, Langer's done well with Australia including that 2019 Ashes draw in England. He might actually bring some discipline to England's Test team which they've been lacking.
As someone who follows county cricket closely, I think Langer's intensity might not suit England's current culture. Remember how he fell out with Australian senior players? ECB needs someone who can work with a group that's been through a lot of instability lately.
This whole merry-go-round of coaches between Australia and England is amusing. First it was Lehmann, then Langer, now potentially Langer for England. Meanwhile Indian coaches are doing great in IPL but never get these opportunities. Interesting how the old boys' network works in international cricket!
Fair point from Lehmann about the timing - you don't sack a coach mid-summer unless you have a replacement ready. Langer would bring experience but his record with player relationships is questionable. ECB should consider someone like Kumar Sangakkara who's been doing brilliant work with Rajasthan Royals.
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