Former Australian batsman Justin Langer, who was in charge of the Australian team during the recently concluded ODI tri-series in the Carribean which also featured South Africa and West Indies, said that being in the role on a temporary basis has changed his thoughts about being an international coach. The 45-year-old added that he would like to like be the head coach of Australia on a permanent basis should such an opportunity present itself in the future.
Langer, who coaches Western Warriors in the Sheffield Shield and Matador Cup as well as the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, has for long been present head coach Darren Lehmann’s first choice to replace him when the former intends to quit in 2019 after the ICC ODI World Cup and the Ashes series against England.
Langer, who himself stated that the being the coach of the national side would be a dream come true, has however always been worried about the rigours that come along with being an international coach.
Speaking ahead of the tri-series, Langer had said that he was content at his present coaching roles as it allowed him the time to be with his family and that he was not looking to take over the role for another 10 years.
"Certainly this West Indies tour I'm looking forward to it, but I'm doing it with the respect it deserves. "Boof's (Lehmann) doing a great job, I really admire how he's going about his business and if I can help him for a few weeks then I'm happy to do that," Langer said.
"But personally, with my kids at home, I'm finally back in Western Australia and I've got probably the dream job. There's only one of those in my home town, as head coach of Western Australia.”
However, a taste of the job and no doubt helped by the victory over the hosts in the tri-series final has led to a change of thought for Langer and a fast tracking of his dream job in the future.
“Well Skype's an amazing thing," Langer said. “When I came home, it felt like I hadn't really been away because you're actually seeing each other a couple of times a day. I always thought getting back into that business (of being on the road) for 11 months of the year would be really hard. But it was good fun."
Langer said that he was looking forward to utilise the experience gained with the national side into good use and with Australia’s well known no-mercy policy for its cricketers, even those of the biggest stature, Langer is all too aware that he has to keep up the good work if he wants his dream to come true.
"It's given me the inspiration to come home and be a really good coach here," Langer said. "If I'm a good coach, I might get an opportunity in the future. If I'm a rubbish coach, then I won't. That's the business, and that's life."
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