Former Australian cricketer Simon O’Donnell can’t understand why Justin Langer’s future as men’s national team coach is being questioned after recent success.
Langer faced scrutiny after last year’s 2-1 home Test series defeat to India, but talks with senior players following that loss saw him undertake a more relaxed approach and lead the side to T20 World Cup and Ashes success in recent months.
While results this summer suggest Langer should hold onto the role, reports in the UK have stated that World Cup winning former England coach Trevor Bayliss is in the frame to take the role should Cricket Australia not opt to renew the former opener’s contract when it expires in June.
Although Bayliss is highly credentialed, O’Donnell says there’s no way Australian cricket should even be thinking about changing who’s in charge of the men’s side.
“I just find it extraordinary that there’s a debate,” O’Donnell said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Is there a sport in the world where as coach you can go and win the ultimate prize in a format of the game - which is the T20 cricket World Cup - and then go on and win a five Test series 4-0 against the old foe in an Ashes series as coach, and still be questioned whether you should keep your job or not?
“I know we’ve just come off a 4-0 win in a series - but I think as important as players are and their opinion is, you still always need a decision maker and a really firm hand to give that guidance.
“Just every now and then a little ‘hurry-up’ needs to be dished out to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
“You need a coach and a strong administration to do that, and I just can’t even believe it’s being questioned.”
From 27 games, Langer has a coaching record with the Test team of 15 wins, seven losses and five draws since taking over in May 2018.