By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Justin Langer has resigned as head coach of the Australia men’s team.
The 51-year-old’s contract was expiring in June and Cricket Australia (CA) said he turned down a short-term extension.
He took over the role in 2018 following Australia’s ball-tampering scandal against South Africa, but leaves having won the T20 World Cup and The Ashes.
Langer held discussions with Cricket Australia on Friday over his future, ahead of his contract expiring in June, with the former opening batsman turning down a short-term extension to stay in the role.
In a statement, Cricket Australia said: “Cricket Australia has accepted men’s team head coach Justin Langer’s resignation, which was received today. Justin was offered a short-term extension to his current contract, which sadly he has opted not to accept.
CA would like to thank Justin for his outstanding leadership since he became Australian men’s team coach in 2018 and for guiding the team to the T20 World Cup title last year and the 4-0 Ashes victory.
“Justin is not only a legend of the game but an outstanding individual. The contract extension offered to Justin was the result of a thorough review process that evaluated many factors including future requirements of the team and the upcoming extensive schedule of fixtures.
“The extension was approved by the CA Board and was put to Justin last night. It included the opportunity to defend the T20 World Cup title in Australia at the end of this year. Justin informed CA this morning he was not accepting the offer and would resign with immediate effect.”
Langer replaced Darren Lehmann, who resigned after the ball-tampering scandal that rocked cricket and also led to captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner being sacked and banned for a year for their part in the controversy, while batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months.
Andrew McDonald, who had been assistant coach, has been appointed interim head coach. He is expected to lead Australia’s men’s team when they tour Pakistan for the first time in 24 years in March.
The sides will play three Tests, three one-day internationals and one T20 in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore.