CA refutes reports but doesn’t quell Langer’s speculation

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia (CA) refuted media reports that national men’s team coach Justin Lange was involved in a “fierce meeting” where his future was reportedly discussed.

Multiple media outlets reported earlier that Langer “reacted angrily” when he raised the prospect of reapplying for the role during a meeting with CA CEO Nick Hockley and high performance chief Ben Oliver last Friday.

Langer was appointed following the South African tampering scandal in 2018 and has held the role since, but his contract expires mid-year.

“While we do not comment on confidential conversations, we believe it is important to correct records in this case,” the CA said in a statement that conspicuously lacked any assurance that Langer would continue to work.

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“Among other false claims, we completely reject claims that the meeting was fiery or heated, and that Justin was asked to reapply for his job,” it said.

“Justin was head coach until the middle of the year, and we’ve been adamant that discussions about the role’s future will begin after the men’s Ashes series.”

Australia beat England 4-0 in the Ashes series that ended in January amid speculation over Lange’s future.

Media reports last year suggested that his toughness was not for the team.

But after bombarding England so well in the Ashes series, former England captain Michael Vaughan wonders what else Langer needs to do to get another contract.

“If this is true then the Australian coach has to reapply for his position as he has taken them to the world’s No. 1 Test team and T20 World Cup winners over the past few months… The prospect of success has happened. Huge change… t it about Winning ??!!!” Vaughan tweeted on Monday.