Sledging ‘has a place in cricket’
Justin Langer has declared sledging still has its place after being tasked with reforming Australia’s cricket culture as national coach.
The former test opener will oversee all three formats of the game, taking over from Darren Lehmann who resigned after the ball-tampering scandal.
Langer, who served as Western Australia coach for six years and has worked as a national assistant, has been signed on a four-year deal which will see Australia through to the World Cup and next home Ashes series.
His most pressing task will be rebuilding the reputation of an Australian side tarnished by the events in Cape Town which resulted in year-long suspensions for stars Steve Smith, David Warner and a nine-month ban for opener Cameron Bancroft.
Langer, 47, was a key member of a Steve Waugh-led national team notorious for its aggression towards opposition players and ‘‘mental disintegration’’ tactics.
Langer will take the reins for next month’s one-day international tour of England and will be tasked with leading the Aust- ralian team through one of the most difficult years in recent times without Smith, Warner and Bancroft.
He expected Warner, who was found to have masterminded the Cape Town ball- tampering incident and will never again serve a national leadership role, to be welcomed back into the Australian set-up upon serving his suspension.
Langer will play a role in the cultural review stemming from the ill-fated South African tour, joining new captain Tim Paine and fast bowler Pat Cummins and other former players in assessing player and team behaviour.