Justin Langer Ready To Leave LSG To Become England's Test Coach

Langer ready to leave LSG for England's coaching role [Source: AFP]

After getting drubbed in The Ashes and against New Zealand, the ECB reached its breaking point as head coach Brendon McCullum was sacked from his post. England’s performance dipped in the last two years, and McCullum’s Bazball idea was one of the main reasons for the downfall.

With England taking on Pakistan next month in a three-match Test series, the Three Lions are in a desperate search for a permanent coach. One of the shortlisted candidates has been the former Aussie cricketer, Justin Langer.

There is no agreement between the two parties yet, but Langer is reportedly keen on the England job, and the former Australian head coach could leave his IPL post to join England.

Langer ready to quit IPL to become England Test coach

According to Cricinfo journalist Matt Roller, Langer confirmed on the Stick to England podcast that he had no contact with the ECB regarding the vacant head coach job, but if an opportunity arises and the ECB does make contact, he’ll definitely consider the role.

It is to be noted that Langer is currently associated with the IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants, as their head coach, but he could leave the post if England comes calling.

Though there are other candidates the ECB has shortlisted for the role, reports suggest that Langer is the first choice to succeed McCullum as England’s new red-ball coach.

Why ECB are keen to appoint Langer as McCullum's successor

English cricket is going through turmoil at the moment, having had issues on and off the field. On the field, the red-ball team has struggled to deliver the goods, and off the field, disciplinary issues have hampered their players.

The board needs someone to sort out the mess, and Langer has had a proven record of revitalising a team from the Ashes. In 2018, he took over as Australia’s head coach during their darkest times. Three of their players were caught in the Sandpaper Gate scandal, and senior players like David Warner and Steve Smith were banned for one year.

This is when Langer took over the mantle and made sure that Australia revived their cricket. Under him, the Kangaroos retained the Ashes in 2019, and several players delivered the goods.

Also Read: Brendon McCullum Vs Justin Langer: Who Has Better Numbers As Test Coach

The ECB is hoping that the former Australian cricketer could weave the same magic with the English Test team.

Langer's recent coaching record a worrying point for ECB

After quitting the Australian job, Langer was roped in by LSG before the IPL 2024 season, and he was appointed their new head coach, replacing the outgoing Andy Flower.

There was a ton of expectation from the 55-year-old, but in the three seasons since joining the LSG squad, Langer has yet to deliver the goods.

In the 2024 season, LSG finished seventh as the side failed to qualify for the IPL playoffs. The trend continued the following campaign, as the Lucknow-based team once again finished seventh and were eliminated in the league stage.

In IPL 2026, the team regressed under his coaching role, and this time, the side finished last in the points table, and got eliminated early.

Test coaching and T20I coaching are two different aspects, but his inability to deliver in the last three IPL seasons could come in as a roadblock to becoming the new England coach.

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