Aussie style is way forward, believes coach Langer
: In the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal, there has been talk of Australia changing their style of play. The most notable of the suggestions have come from former coach Darren Lehmann, who urged the players to follow New Zealand’s style of cricket.
However, newly-appointed coach Justin Langer has brushed aside any such need, making it clear that the only way forward for the side is the Australian way.
Langer made these remarks especially in the context of ODIs where Australia have struggled since winning the World Cup on home soil in 2015. Going into an away five-match ODI series against arch-rivals England, beginning June 13, Australia have lost 11 of 13 completed matches.
England, on the other hand, have tasted success in the 50-over format following their dismal show in the 2015 World Cup. Currently ranked No 1 in ODIs, England had drubbed Australia 4-1 when they met in ODIs Down Under earlier this year.
Australia’s defeat prompted then skipper Steve Smith to urge his players to take a leaf out of the English brand of ODI cricket. Langer feels there is no need.
“I’m hearing about mimicking England’s style, and mimicking India’s style, mimicking New Zealand’s style – we’ve got to mimic Australia’s style, because we should be so proud of what we’ve achieved in our past,” Langer was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
“We’ve got our way of doing things, and we shouldn’t shy away from that. Can we get better in one-day cricket? Absolutely, and our ranking shows that – we haven’t been great in one-day cricket. We’ve just got to play it better,” the 47-year-old said.
MUMBAI