It has been revealed that when former Australian men’s cricket coach Justin Langer wanted to ‘pursue other opportunities’ after turning down Ricky Ponting’s persistent requests to coach the Hobart Hurricanes, it would involve a microphone and joining a star-studded cricket commentary team.
Channel Seven has announced that Justin Langer will feature as part of their commentary line-up to provide analysis on the Test series occurring in the upcoming Australian summer of cricket, which will feature two Tests against the West Indies and three Tests against South Africa.
The Seven Network’s choice to select Justin Langer as a cricket commentator is set to create some fascination and comical interest among fans and former players. His appointment will mean that Langer will be required to commentate on the same Australian team that ousted him from his coaching role in farcical and chaotic circumstances in June this year.
It is believed that the emotional wounds from Justin Langer’s resignation are still fresh, as he said that “I had energy, I had focus, and I was happy – besides the bull**** politics” according to reports from ESPNCricinfo back in May.
Despite the polarising sentiment surrounding Langer’s tenure as the Australian men’s cricket coach, his qualifications for cricket commentary and providing expert analysis on the international are held in the highest regard.
The Seven Network were quick to announce his burgeoning list of sporting achievements both on and off the field.
Referencing news sources at 7News, Justin Langer is considered as one of the most successful Test cricket opening batsmen in the history of the game, having represented Australia in 105 Tests.
His renowned batting partnerships with Matthew Hayden included an extraordinary total of 5,655 runs over a period of 113 innings, making it the second most successful partnership in Test cricket worldwide.
Following a successful stint as coach of Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers in Australian domestic cricket, Langer was appointed head coach of the Australian men’s cricket team in 2018, a position he held until he resigned in 2022.
He is also a best-selling author and works with a host of charity organisations, as well as continuing to write as a regular columnist for The West Australian.
Lewis Martin, the managing director of Seven Melbourne, expressed his excitement at having Justin Langer on board. Reporting to 7News, he stated that “we are honoured that Justin has agreed to be part of our commentary team for the 2022-23 summer. He is a true legend of the sport, both as a player and a coach, and an inspiration to many Australians.”
“The addition of Justin to our on-air team is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to deliver world-class coverage of the summer of cricket, live and free, to all Australians.”
The Test matches are set to begin on November 30, where Australia will take on the West Indies in Perth.
