Ashes 2021-22: Justin Langer open to seeking contract extension as Australia head coach

Australia has seemingly sprung into new life. In the ongoing Ashes, it has pushed England onto the back foot, having a 2-0 lead in the five-Test series. While credit has also been given to head coach Justin Langer, he wants to extend his services to the team as he eyes a contract extension with Cricket Australia (CA).

Under Langer, Australia saw a turbulent phase, losing to India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under earlier this year. However, he has seemingly managed to turn the tide. It all started with Australia winning its maiden ICC T20 World Cup title a couple of months back in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Now, with Australia looking set for a series win in the Ashes, the players and CA are starting to believe in Langer and feel that he is the right man at the helm to guide the team forward. On the other hand, Langer has asserted that his coaching tactics and thought process have hardly changed in the past few months.

"I have never thought differently, to be honest. I have been consistent with what I have said for the last four years. I love my job. The boys are playing well, no doubt about it. It's a great team to be involved in. So, nothing has changed from my point of view," he was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

In the meantime, the report in SMH also added that legendary former Aussie Steve Waugh favoured split coaching. While Langer is eager to coach the side across formats, Waugh feels that Langer's assistant, Andrew McDonald, serves as the right man to guide the side in the white-ball forms. He reasoned that McDonald's tactic of listening to the players' demands and having a fantastic connection with them makes him the perfect candidate.