Justin Langer’s Potential Replacements: 2022

Justin Langer has resigned as the Australian coach after a long battle with Cricket Australia and the players. With Justin Langer out of contention, Australia now has the challenge of selecting a new coach, and it will be interesting to see who they go for.

Andrew McDonald

Australia’s senior assistant coach has been promoted to interim head coach, and he has a high chance of keeping the job. He has taken over in the past when Langer was rested, and was already due to coach the side against Sri Lanka. Through his time has assistant coach, McDonald received some support from other players, and has a nice rapport with the team. His credentials are pretty good and McDonald is highly likely to take over from Justin Langer.

Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist is enjoying his time as a commentator, and has enjoyed an illustrious career as a player. He is arguably the best wicket-keeper in the history of the game, and has also led Australia admirably on countless occasions. He was captain when Australia won an away series in India, and with tours to the subcontinent his presence could be handy. In the past, Gilchrist has taken up mentorship roles occasionally when Justin Langer was around. However, with Gilchrist enjoying his commentary, it may be tough to get him in as a coach.

Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting is another legend, and one of the best players in Australia’s Cricket history. He is a perfect fit for the coaching role, and has done very well coaching franchises around the World. He knows how to build a champion side better than anyone. In the past Ricky Ponting has been involved as a mentor as well, and Justin Langer used him frequently in the white-ball format.

The appointment of Ponting though is a challenging one. He is enjoying his commentary like Gilchrist, and doesn’t seem willing to commit to life on the road again. He recently rejected a coaching offer from India as well, and to see him as coach will be a challenge for Australia.

Gary Kirsten

Australia normally don’t look at overseas options for their national team coach, but if they do Gary Kirsten could be among the top names on the list. He has brilliant credentials as coach, and was very close to getting England’s coaching job a few years ago as well.

If Australia look at him as an option, there may be a toss-up between England and Australia as both nations are looking for a new coach, and Gary Kirsten could be hot property. He has coached India and South Africa in the past, and has also coached India to a World Cup victory in 2011.  In case Australia look overseas, Gary Kirsten will be eager to put his hand up for the role.

Jason Gillespie

Jason Gillespie was once a key fast bowler in the invincible Australian side. He partnered the likes of Glenn Mcgrath and Brett Lee, and has 402 wickets in international cricket. He came close to getting the role in 2018, before the role went to Justin Langer, and he could be a strong competitor this time as well. Jason Gillespie is an active coach in the domestic and franchise level.

He has done well rebuilding sides, and is currently doing the same with South Australia. With experience, and interest in the past, Jason Gillespie may be committed to a full year of touring, and if he shows enthusiasm Australia will have a strong candidate to look at along with McDonald.