Justin Langer’s time as Australian coach is over after the former opening batter ended six months of speculation and walked away from the role.
Langer’s management group confirmed on Saturday their client had tendered his resignation, effective immediately.
Langer had met with Cricket Australia officials on Friday night after his future was discussed in length at a seven-hour board meeting earlier in the day.
It was after that meeting the call was made that Langer would finish up, with Australia now without a coach less than a month out from the tour of Pakistan.
“DSEG confirms that our client Justin Langer has this morning tendered his resignation as coach of the Australian men’s cricket team,” Langer’s management group posted on social media.
“The resignation follows a meeting with Cricket Australia last evening. The resignation is effective immediately.”
Langer’s future had been a point of contention since senior players met with Cricket Australia’s hierarchy last August to raise concerns over his intense nature.
On the field though, Langer enjoyed success.
His 55.5 per cent win record in Test cricket is second only to John Buchanan among all Australian coaches.
He also led Australia’s first retention of the Ashes in England in 18 years in 2019, before winning the series 4-0 this summer, as well as claiming a maiden T20 World Cup title.
But throughout Australia’s successful summer it became clear players were not willing to publicly endorse an extension of his contract.
Andrew McDonald is now expected to take over in the interim, having previously coached the side on white-ball tours in the absence of Langer.
McDonald is also the favourite to assume the role on a full-time basis with Trevor Bayliss and Jason Gillespie the other most likely candidates.
Justin Langer’s potential successors:
ANDREW McDONALD
The most likely option and the man who is expected to take over in the interim for the Test tour of Pakistan. Has filled in for Langer in previous white-ball series and also has an apprenticeship in charge of Victoria. Has overseas roles in franchise Twenty20 leagues, but could easily drop them to take on the top job in Australia.
JASON GILLESPIE
A genuine option when Darren Lehmann quit following the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 before Langer won the role. The former quick was also linked to the England role in 2019 after a stint with Yorkshire that included two straight County titles. If he doesn’t land the Australian job, there is every chance England could look at the South Australian coach to replace the departed Chris Silverwood.
TREVOR BAYLISS
Australian coach who guided England to their last Ashes win in 2015 as well as the 2019 ODI World Cup title. Is now back in Sydney coaching the Thunder as well as various other Twenty20 roles around the world. Has a close relationship with several players through his time in charge of NSW last decade, in particular captain Pat Cummins, with both hailing from Penrith. A known supporter of splitting the coaching role between red and white-ball formats.
GREG SHIPPERD
An outside option who has made a name for himself with a long history of success in Australian domestic cricket. Would also be well equipped for a white-ball role if it was split, given his recent success at the Sydney Sixers as well as four seasons in charge in the early days of the Melbourne Stars. Again has a close bond with many players after his time in the domestic roles.
MICHAEL DI VENUTO
Another assistant alongside Andrew McDonald and Jeff Vaughan. Would be the biggest outside shot on the list. Has been in and out of Australia’s set up since 2013 as a batting coach, while also gaining head-coach experience at Surrey between 2016 and 2020. Alongside McDonald and Vaughan, has taken on more responsibility in recent months after Justin Langer agreed to loosen his grip somewhat during the Twenty20 World Cup win.
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