JUSTIN TIME FOR ENGLAND
ENGLAND target Justin Langer has resigned as head coach of Australia.
The 51-year-old’s contract was expiring in June and Cricket Australia said he turned down a short-term extension.
On Friday, England’s temporary director of cricket Andrew Strauss refused to rule out the possibility of Langer becoming Chris Silverwood’s successor.
Silverwood was sacked as England head coach and lead selector on Thursday in the wake of the 4-0 thrashing by Australia in this winter’s Ashes series.
And Stuart Law believes England should now concentrate on getting Langer to replace Silverwood as coach – as they have no chance of enticing Ricky Ponting.
Former Aussie star Law, who coached Middlesex until last year, said: “I can tell you right now, that if Ricky Ponting took on that job I would be very, very surprised.
“First of all, he’s not going to take a pay cut to be the English coach and secondly, his involvement with Australia is ongoing.
“It’s a nice dream that you guys have but I can’t see that happening.
“On the flip side, I’ve heard Justin Langer’s name linked to the job.
“His track record is good, he’s a great coach and he’s tough.
“Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind, being nicey-nice hasn’t got too many results.
“It has got a lot of people saying what a good bloke Silverwood is.
“But that’s not what international cricket is all about.
“Professional cricket is hard work, it’s not easy, so Justin Langer might be one to look at.
“I’m not sure he’d be up for working for England – but you never know.”
And Law believes that Silverwood’s job was made impossible from the moment he was put in charge of selection and coaching.
“As a head coach, if you’re the chief selector as well, then that’s extremely tough,” added Law.