Know Langer

As a player, Justin Langer was renowned for his utter commitment to the Australian cause — as a coach, he will bring similar zeal to the task of restoring pride in the scandal-tainted baggy green cap.

The 47-year-old, appointed national coach Thursday, is a striking contrast to his laid-back predecessor Darren Lehmann. Intense, disciplined and hardworking, Langer will not tolerate the boys-club mentality that Lehmann’s critics allege fostered a toxic culture in the Australian side.

Langer played 105 Tests from

1993 to 2007, averaging 45.27 and amassing 7,696 runs, including 23 centuries.

He has previously worked as Australia’s batting coach and began a successful stint in charge of Western Australia in 2012.

Langer played in a golden era for Australian cricket, with greats such as Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and Ricky

Ponting in the allconquering team.

He was a late bloomer at the international level, struggling for selection until his career-defining opening partnership with Matthew Hayden began in 2001.

Off the field, Langer is a black belt martial artist with a strong Catholic faith who fundraises for half a dozen charities.

His loyalty to Australia is such that when South African paceman Makhaya Ntini felled him with a bouncer in 2006 he was willing to bat even though doctors warned him another blow to the head could be fatal. Langer said he could not have lived with himself if he had not padded up ready to take strike for his country.

Langer’s beloved baggy green has been tarnished by the cheating scandal. The appointment has given him the chance to restore its status and it is a challenge Langer will grasp with both hands.