Test triumph in India will be my ultimate challenge as an Australian coach, says Justin Langer

Langer has an impressive CV as a coach of Western Australia and Perth Scorchers.

Justin Langer | Getty

Justin Langer on Thursday (May 3) was officially announced as Australia's head coach for the next four years. The former Aussie opener will take the reins of all three formats from May 22.

While speaking to the media upon appointment, Langer stated that beating India in India during Australia’s tour to the Asian country in 2021 will be the toughest challenge of his coaching tenure.

"There are some big tournaments coming up. We have got a World Cup, a T20 World Cup, a couple of Ashes – I get nervous when I start thinking about it," Langer told reporters, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

"But ultimately, if I fast forward it, the Indian Test tour in about three or four years' time, to me that's the ultimate. We will judge ourselves on whether we're a great cricket team if we beat India in India. I look back on my career, the Mount Everest moment was 2004 when we finally beat India in India.”

"We've got to get better at playing overseas, we become a great team if we win overseas and at home so that will be something for us to aspire to," he further added.

Langer was named as the successor of former coach Darren Lehmann by Cricket Australia. Lehmann resigned in the aftermath of the ball tampering scandal in South Africa and Langer immediately became the frontrunner to take over this high profile job. The 47-year-old boasts an impressive CV as a coach of Western Australia/Perth Scorchers, which included three Big Bash League titles.

Langer will undoubtedly have a tough task on his hands as CA had banned former skipper Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner for 12 months for their involvement in the ball-tampering controversy.

However, an optimistic Langer insisted the absence of Warner and Smith gives them the chance to build the bench strength for future.

"It's hard to replace their runs and their experience. Over the next 11 months, there's a chance for some guys to take their opportunities ... to even make us stronger, and add to the depth. They [Smith and Warner] are like the cream on the top when it comes to big tournaments," Langer said.

"You can build the depth and then you've got some great players coming back in, that's a pretty exciting time," he concluded.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 03 May, 2018

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