Agency :
Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nick Hockley has publicly defended Justin Langer, backing the under-pressure coach to continue doing an “incredible job” throughout the Twenty20 World Cup and the Ashes Series.
The Australian head coach Justin Langer was under immense pressure, once the news of his verbal arguments and indecent behavior came under light, following the lost series against Bangladesh, in Dhaka.
The Aussie ODI’s skipper Aaron Finch later stated his disgust of this outburst of Langer being spread in public, as now the CA (Cricket Australia) CEO has also backed-up Justin Langer, in an official statement.
“Justin has done an incredible job in raising the culture, values and behaviors of the Australian men’s team since he took on the role in 2018, and his efforts have restored public faith in the national team.” Hockley said.
Hockley, appointed CA’s CEO in May after serving as interim boss for almost a year, sought to end speculation about Langer’s position via a public statement on Wednesday, on the Cricket Australia website.
“He is contracted as head coach through to the middle of next year, with the focus now on a successful T20 World Cup campaign followed by the home Ashes defense.” Hockley added. “The team has had an extremely disruptive and challenging 18 months during the pandemic.”
Langer, reportedly had the outburst, when Australia lost the T20I series to Bangladesh, and a Cricket Australia (CA) personnel had uploaded a video to the CA website of Bangladesh cricketers celebrating, and singing their team song, to which, Langer had objected.
However, it appears that, amidst all the controversies, it appears as the CA has their full trust on the head coach, and wants him to carry on with his duties for a longer period, as Hockley mentioned,
“Justin, his coaching staff and the leaders within the team have an equally important part to play in ensuring a successful summer ahead.” Hockley said, as he hinted at Langer holding onto his position up to the upcoming ICC WT20 championship, and The Ashes.
Australia will name its World Cup squad on Thursday, with injured stars Aaron Finch and Steve Smith expected to be included.
