Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia chief on Sunday hinted that the coaches for different formats could be split and he did not give a clear answer on whether Justin Langer would remain the coach for all three formats going forward.
Justin Langer’s tenure as the head coach is slated to come to an end next year, however, he has shown his willingness to remain the coach of the side. Speculation is rife in Australian cricketing circles regarding Michael Di Venuto and Andrew McDonald taking over as the white-ball coach.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia Chief Hinted Australia May Opt For Splitting Coaches For Different Formats
Australia head coach Justin Langer has achieved monumental success with the Australian team of late. Langer helped the Aussies to their first-ever T20 World Cup title and are now on their way to probably retaining the Ashes at home. Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley isn’t in any hurry to extend the contract of Justin Langer just as yet.
There have been some questions in the past on Justin Langer’s coaching methods. Players like Aaron Finch, Pat Cummins, and Tim Paine have had some hard and honest conversations with Justin Langer about the same.
“That’s (different coaches for different formats) something we’ll look at towards the end of the season,” Nick Hockley was quoted as saying.
Nick Hockley also confirmed that Justin Langer would remain as the head coach until the end of his four-year contract, which expires in June. Nick Hockley wants to take things slow and wait till the end of the Ashes 2021/22 series in order to discuss and come to a conclusion.
“There’s no question Justin will see out his contract. That goes out to the middle of next year. Obviously, once we get through the Ashes we want to sit down and work out where we want to go from there,” said Hockley.
“We’re going to sit down and work through what that process entails at that time, then we’ll be able to say more,” he added.
Earlier this year, Australia won its maiden T20 World Cup title and the side is on the verge of retaining the Ashes.
Pat Cummins And Nathan Lyon Pick 3 Scalps Each As Australia Dismiss England For A Paltry 185
There also have been reports of split coaching for the white ball as well as red ball teams and the theory has been supported by many Australian greats like Steve Waugh. However, Justin Langer is reportedly very keen on still remaining the head coach across formats.
Trailing by 124 runs, Australia ended Day 1 of the ongoing third Ashes Test match posting 61 for one at Stump’s against England at the MCG in Melbourne, on Sunday. The hosts lost the crucial wicket of David Warner, who was dismissed by James Anderson after registering 38 runs off 42 balls.
Marcus Harris and Nathan Lyon will resume batting for Australia on Day 2. Earlier, England was bowled out for 185. Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon were the picks of the Australian bowlers, taking three wickets each. Mitchell Starc took two while Cameron Green and debutant Scott Boland also picked a wicket each to put Australia in the driver’s seat. For England, captain Joe Root was the standout, scoring yet another fifty.