‘I think he’ll walk’: Clarke expects Langer to bow out if Australia win Ashes
Former Test captain Michael Clarke believes Justin Langer will walk away from coaching Australia after the Ashes if the side adds a series victory over England to the Twenty20 World Cup triumph.
Langer’s coaching style has been under scrutiny since Australia’s defeat to India in the home Test series last summer, with the head coach’s strained relationship with the playing group the subject of numerous reports.
With the first Test of the Ashes due to start at the Gabba on December 8, there is still plenty of interest in Langer’s future. His Cricket Australia contract finishes after the scheduled tour of Pakistan in March.
Speaking at the SCG in an official announcement for next year’s men’s T20 World Cup, Clarke said he believed Langer would want to resign on a high if Australia win the Ashes, leaving a new coach to take the squad to Pakistan.
“He wanted Australia to be the best team in the world. He wanted us to play a brand of cricket that he’s proud of, and we’ve just won the World Cup,” he said.
“If we can win the Ashes as well, he’s achieved everything that he’s come here for and knowing Lang [Langer] he won’t coach for the wrong reasons.”
Justin Langer at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday after arriving back from the T20 World Cup.Credit:Getty
Following Australia’s win over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday, Langer spoke about the player-driven win and how “embracing fun” had been crucial to the World Cup victory.
Langer reportedly took more of a back-seat role during the tournament with a combination of leadership from support staff, players and captain Aaron Finch the key to success.
Whether the same attitude can be maintained for the Ashes is yet to be seen.
“I hope – not just for the players, but for him – that we can continue this form, win the Ashes series and then give him the option to do whatever he wants to do,” Clarke said on Langer. “If he thinks his job is done, then I think he’ll walk away, and I’d love to see him walk away on his own terms.”
One of the most encouraging sights at the World Cup for Australia was David Warner finding form again. Warner walked away from the competition as Australia’s leading run scorer and the player of the tournament.
The 35-year-old stood up when Australia needed him in must-win matches. Against the West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand, he made 89 not out, 49 and 53 respectively.
Clarke is confident he will be ready to do it again in the Ashes and said he wouldn’t be surprised if he finished as the leading run scorer.
“He was brilliant throughout the tournament and had the courage to still play his natural game. Yeah, I’ve got no doubt that he would walk into these Test series now full of confidence,” he said.
“It’s amazing what runs do for a batter. It’s so important and the only way really to get your confidence back is to score runs.”
Another standout in the World Cup was Mitch Marsh, who Clarke believes is nipping at Cameron Green’s heels in the No.6 spot.
“It’s a tough one as Cameron was brilliant last summer, and fought hard to earn his position,” he said.
“But Mitch Marsh is right there. He’s not far away at all. I think if he gets a crack, he’ll grab it with both hands.”
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