Justin Langer warns of ‘tough’ conversations to overhaul Australian cricket

After the ball-tampering controversy in South Africa, Justin Langer replaced Darren Lehmann as Cricket Australia’s head coach.

cricket Updated: May 23, 2018 16:06 IST
Justin Langer has been tasked with overhauling the outlook of the Australian cricket team after the ball-tampering controversy in South Africa. (Getty Images)

Australia’s new coach Justin Langer’s tenure will be full of honest and ‘tough’ conversations as indicated in an introductory session in Brisbane.

Langer took over from Darren Lehmann after the latter stepped down following the ball-tampering fiasco in Cape Town that shook Australian cricket and also saw bans levied on captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

Langer spent the afternoon of the annual Australian cricket coaches’ forum at the National Cricket Centre on May 21 explaining his values and expectations for all involved in Australian cricket, stated a report by cricket.com.au.

Chris Rogers, former opening batsman for Australia and currently serving as High Performance coach made it clear to coaches across the country that they should not hesitate from having “tough chat” when required.

“I think there is going to be a lot of honest conversations,” Rogers revealed to the website. “That’s what he (Langer) is all about, willing to have the tough chats.”

“He gave his own values, what he stands for, and of those people who do know Justin or have read about him it wouldn’t be too surprising, but it was good to have the kind of reinforcement and understand where he stands.

“There’s going to be no getting around that. It’s very clear what the expectations are.”

Rogers further emphasised on Justin Langer’s willingness to listen and take into account various arguments and viewpoints on offer.

“I think he wanted to get a lay of the land. He’s very conscious of everyone being in it together, working collaboratively. I guess that is from the fact he’s just come out of a state coach role and understands all those issues,” Rogers said.

“A lot of the conversations were about how does cricket in Australia improve and what can be done.”