Justin Langer has been fast-tracked into the role of Australian head coach, replacing Darren Lehmann as Cricket Australia vouches to resurrect the lost reputation after the infamous ball-tampering event that rocked the cricketing fraternity earlier this year.
Langer was supposed to take over after Lehmann’s term, next year, but the former opening batsman was given the charge a year earlier after Lehmann quit following the South Africa series, which also saw Australian captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft facing suspensions from the board.
"Whilst Darren Lehmann was not due to complete his term until next year, we have had a succession plan in place for this role for some time," Sutherland said. "In addition to professional development opportunities, this plan has included several coaches [Steve Rixon, Trevor Bayliss, David Saker and Langer] stepping into the head role to relieve Darren at times, and to also provide support roles, including Justin, and forms part of our long-running succession-planning process.
The former left-hander will work with Test captain Tim Paine and a new limited overs captain soon to be named for a period of four years, starting from the limited overs fixture in England from June 13.
Australia is certain to play to three World Cups – ODI in 2019 and the successive World T20s in 2020 and 2021 – under Langer.
Langer comes in with no dearth of coaching experience. He successfully coached Big Bash league franchise Perth Scorchers and Wester Warrioirs in Australia’s domestic cricket. "It is humbling to be appointed as coach of the Australian men's cricket team," Langer said. "I would like to thank the Western Australian Cricket Association and the Perth Scorchers for their support over the past six seasons, and for giving me the opportunity to lead and work with two great teams and many exceptional people.
"There will be some significant challenges ahead for our group, but there is a wealth of talent in Australian cricket that I know will do us all proud.
"I'm thoroughly looking forward to working with all players, as we strive for a successful men's team across all formats, with the support and respect of the Australian public.”
Some of the other names, who were in the coaching race were former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, former fast bowler Jason Gillespie and incumbent assistant coach David Saker.
This is obviously not the first time that the 47-year-old Langer will be associated with the Australian cricket team. He was appointed as the batting coach in 2012 when Ricky Ponting was the Australian captain.