'I think he'll walk': Clarke expects Langer to bow out if Australia win
Ashes
CRICKET
SARAH KEOGHAN

Picture
Former Test captain Michael Clarke believes Justin Langer will walk away
from coaching Australia after the Ashes if the side adds a series victory
over England to the Twenty20 World Cup triumph.

Langer¡¦s coaching style has been under scrutiny since the home series loss
to India last summer, after which his strained relationship with the
players was revealed.

With the first Test of the Ashes due to start at the Gabba on December 8,
there is still plenty of interest in Langer¡¦s future.

His Cricket Australia contract finishes after the scheduled tour of
Pakistan in March.

Speaking at the SCG in an official announcement for next year¡¦s men¡¦s T20 World Cup, Clarke said he believed Langer would want to resign on a high if Australia win the Ashes, leaving a new coach to take the squad to Pakistan.

¡¥¡¥He wanted Australia to be the best team in the world. He wanted us to
play a brand of cricket that he¡¦s proud of, and we¡¦ve just won the World Cup,¡¦¡¦ he said. ¡¥¡¥If we can win the Ashes as well, he¡¦s achieved everything
that he¡¦s come here for, and knowing ¡¥Lang¡¦ he won¡¦t coach for the wrong reasons.¡¦¡¦

Following Australia¡¦s win over New Zealand in Dubai on Sunday, Langer spoke about the playerdriven win and how ¡¥¡¥embracing fun¡¦¡¦ had been crucial to the World Cup victory.

Langer reportedly took more of a back-seat role during the tournament, and
a combination of leadership from support staff, players and captain Aaron
Finch were the key to success.

Whether the same attitude can be maintained for the Ashes is yet to be
seen.

¡¥¡¥I hope ¡V not just for the players, but for him ¡V that we can continue this form, win the Ashes series and then give him the option to do whatever
he wants to do,¡¦¡¦ Clarke said on Langer. ¡¥¡¥If he thinks his job is done, then I think he¡¦ll walk away, and I¡¦d love to see him walk away on his own terms.¡¦¡¦

One of the most encouraging sights at the World Cup for Australia was David Warner finding form again. Warner was Australia¡¦s leading run scorer and
the player of the tournament.

The 35-year-old stood up when Australia needed him in mustwin matches.
Against the West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand, he made 89 not out, 49
and 53 respectively. Clarke is confident he will be ready to do it again in
the Ashes and said he would not be surprised if he finished as the leading
run scorer.

¡¥¡¥He was brilliant throughout the tournament and had the courage to still play his natural game. I¡¦ve got no doubt that he would walk into these Test series now full of confidence,¡¦¡¦ he said.

Mitch Marsh was also a standout, and Clarke believes he is nipping at
Cameron Green¡¦s heels in the No.6 spot.

¡¥¡¥It¡¦s a tough one as Cameron was brilliant last summer and fought hard to earn his position,¡¦¡¦ he said. ¡¥¡¥But Mitch Marsh is right there. He¡¦s not far away at all. I think if he gets a crack, he¡¦ll grab it with both hands.¡¦¡¦

A fine example of cricket jernalism from today's SMH.
This prolonged Sinney attack on Langer has redefined 'Pathetic'.



alvey
Unable to recall an Oz coach since Simpson who hasn't been attacked by the Sinney Mefia. In fact, I think that its ended in tears for all except
Simpson. Funny that.

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