Border, Lehmann back Langer to thrive in Australia coach role
Allan Border and Darren Lehmann have backed Justin Langer, the new head coach of the Australia national side, to pull the team out of a tough period.
Lehmann, who stepped down from the role last month, said Langer, his former teammate and the man replacing him, would to do well at “the best job in the world”.
“I’m just so pleased that Australian cricket is going to be in such good hands,” Lehmann told cricket.com.au. “He’s got the best job in the world, and I know it’s a job that I’ll miss because I loved every minute of it.
“But this is a time that Australian cricket needs to move forward and they couldn’t have a better person to lead them now.”
Great appt, congrats to Alfie @CricketAus will do a great job. #bestjobintheworld https://t.co/srfcGGQxes
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) May 2, 2018
Border, who was Langer’s captain when he made his Test debut in 1993, said the new coach brought to the table talent, understanding, strong work ethic and competitiveness.
“It's a holistic approach with Justin – he develops the cricketer and the person,” said Border. “He's also a hard-nosed, very competitive fella.
“Through his own playing career, he's got a good insight into what it takes – he wasn't the most naturally gifted player but he got everything out of his talent.”
Lehmann had announced his intention to resign from the position in 2019, with Langer, who had stepped in for him on occasion, being groomed to take over. The handing of the baton happened prematurely, however, as Lehmann resigned following Australia’s rocky tour of South Africa. The ball-tampering scandal on that tour led to bans for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, the players involved.
Lehmann was happy that Langer, charged with redefining the team culture and leading “a great bunch of blokes”, had not closed the door on those three players’ returns.
“I was really pleased that Justin made mention of those three guys who aren’t playing at the moment because they are, and they’ll continue to be, valuable players for the future of Australian cricket. He didn’t close the door on anyone, and I think that’s an important message,” said Lehmann.