Test great Mark Waugh says England can prove the making of Justin Langer - again - as coach

England in 2019 can be as good for Justin Langer’s coaching career as it was for his promotion to Australian Test opener in 2001, says former teammate Mark Waugh.

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The 2001 Ashes launched Justin Langer’s rise to legendary opener and another English summer can prove his making as Australian head coach says Mark Waugh.

Langer took his chance in the fifth Test at The Oval in August 2001 replacing Michael Slater. Diminutive left-hander Langer combined for 5655 runs with Matthew Hayden in a storied, six-year opening union before retiring with 23 Test tons in 2007.

Former Australian batsman and selector Waugh says if hard yakka and meticulous analysis counts for anything then Langer’s side will give its 2019 World Cup defence an almighty shake.

“It will be a big one for Alfie if we can win this World Cup,” 1999 World Cup winner Waugh said.

“He is very well respected, the players love him. He is a tough competitor Alfie and he expects his players to be well prepared.

“His planning and preparation will be really important, second to none.”

Australia’s Justin Langer plays a pull shot off the bowling of England’s Andrew Caddick on the first day of the Fifth Test of the 2001 Ashes at The Oval in London. Picture: AP

Langer last May succeeded Darren Lehmann, signing a four-year deal spanning two Ashes series, one-day and Twenty20 World Cups.

Langer presided over a 5-0 one-day series loss to England in the Old Dart to mark a tough first series in charge last June. Consecutive home one-day series losses to South Africa and India caused concern entering a World Cup year.

However, eight wins in a row and against India and Pakistan saw confidence in Australia’s World Cup defence skyrocket. The return of superstars Steve Smith and David Warner will bolster Australia starting with Saturday’s tournament opener against Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan in Bristol.

“Six months ago we hadn’t won too many one-day games. It has probably taken him a while to get used to players and them to him,” said Waugh of Langer who averaged 48 in his 65 Tests as an opener.

Former teammates Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer, coach of Australia, Shane Warne, Mark Waugh and Ricky Ponting at the MCG on Boxing Day last year. Picture: Getty Images

“I think they will be well drilled and with Warner and Smith coming back into the team there will be that smooth transition there.”

Alex Carey’s promotion to the vice-captaincy under Aaron Finch represents a new Langer era where good characters and talent are rewarded.

“He is a really good bloke, reads the game well, is good under pressure, knows his game well,” said Waugh of 19-game keeper-batsman Carey.

“His keeping is really good, batting is really innovative and does the job. He fits into the team and is a quality player.”

Langer has been prepared to alter his game plan and revisit a spin to win strategy centred around leg-spinner Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon.

Zampa deserved his recall, says Waugh, playing a central role in series wins against India and Pakistan with an improved wrong’un and aggressive delivery stride providing increased fizz through the air.

“I don’t think the wickets will be huge spinners but I think he will be a key,” said Fox Cricket expert commentator Waugh of Zampa.

“If you bowl with the some variety and look to pick up wickets I think he will be important to us.

“The last 12 months have been really good for him, mixing it up a lot better and if he continues to do that I think he will have a good World Cup.”

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