Justin Langer says he’ll welcome back ball-tampering trio
Newly appointed Australian cricket coach Justin Langer says Australia’s ball-tampering trio will be welcomed back into the fold when they complete their suspensions.
Langer told Neil Mitchell one of his first tasks as head coach will be getting the trust back of the Australian public and other teams around the world.
He said all three players involved in the ball-tampering scandal will be given the opportunity to redeem themselves.
“He (Steve Smith) made an error of judgment, he probably wasn’t strong enough as captain in that instance but he’s an outstanding young person,” Langer said.
“He loves cricket, like Cameron Bancroft, they love cricket more than anyone I’ve ever met.”
Click PLAY below to hear the full interview
He described David Warner as an “exceptional cricketer”.
Langer will coach all three formats – T20, One Day and Test, taking over on May 22 on a four-year contract.
The 47-year-old enjoyed a decorated playing career, representing Australia in 105 Test matches and eight ODI matches.
Langer will step down as Head Coach of Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers.
Former fast bowler Jason Gillespie was one of the main contenders for the role but has congratulated Langer on social media.
A fantastic appointment!
Very excited for my mate Alfie. The Australian Cricket Team is in great hands.#proud https://t.co/3OGtpXaTbw— Jason Gillespie 🌱🌈 (@dizzy259) May 2, 2018
Langer replaces Darren Lehmann, who stepped down over the ball-tampering scandal. Lehmann has congratulated his successor.
Great appt, congrats to Alfie @CricketAus will do a great job. #bestjobintheworld https://t.co/srfcGGQxes
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) May 2, 2018
Langer’s background
- Played 105 Tests and eight ODIs for Australia
- Scored 7,696 Test runs, at an average of 45.27 – including 23 centuries
- Made Test debut in 1993, and played final Test in 2007
- Scored more than 28,000 first-class runs including 86 centuries, at an average of 50.23
- Appointed as Australian assistant coach in November 2009
- Joined Western Australia and Perth Scorchers as head coach in November 2012
- Coached Australia to an ODI Tri-Series victory in the Caribbean in 2016, against South Africa and the Windies
- Coached Australia in a T20 International Series against Sri Lanka in 2017
- Coached the Perth Scorchers to three KFC Big Bash League titles – 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2016-17
- Coached Western Australia to two JLT One-Day Cup titles – 2014-15 and 2017-18