David Saker departure, Ricky Ponting addition shows Justin Langer building own coaching team
Ricky Ponting’s addition to Justin Langer’s coaching staff for the World Cup could prove the most crucial selection the new coach has made to create an untainted environment for Australia’s title defence.
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Ricky Ponting’s addition to Justin Langer’s coaching staff for the World Cup could prove the most crucial selection the new coach has made to create an untainted environment for Australia’s title defence.
The inclusion of Ponting came just one day after bowling coach David Saker parted ways with the national team, an indication that plans to get the former Test captain in to the national set-up had been in the works for some time.
Test spinner Nathan Lyon said he was “shocked” by Saker’s departure, which was also just three days after Australia sealed a 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka, and despite the fact the Victorian was under contract until September.
“I was shocked by it to be honest, I’m a bit disappointed,” Lyon said.
“I was taken aback. I didn’t really catch on about anything in Canberra after a great Test win, I didn’t think anything of it and he didn’t mention anything to me. He’s been great for me, a massive support, so he’ll be missed for sure.”
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“I really enjoyed working with David and I know I’m talking on behalf of the all the fast bowlers as well. We’ll just have to crack on and make sure we get our bowling plans for the World Cup and Ashes down pat.”
Information flowing from within the Australian camp has suggested Langer and Saker had significant differences of opinion, and that the bowling coach wasn’t the only one trying to get used to the new boss’ management style.
Langer said the pair had been talking about the direction of the team since the moment he took over last June, and after the conclusion of the international summer said it was “in the best interests of the team,” to move on now.
“In the perfect world it would have been cleaner at the end of it, but the world’s not always clean and works exactly as you want it to work. I’m all good with it,” Langer said.
It’s believed Saker, who joined the Australian coaching group in 2016 after taking Victoria to the Sheffield Shield title, was unwilling at first to quit, but did so after talks with Langer following the Canberra Test.
Langer is expected to also replace batting coach Graeme Hick, who is contracted until after the Ashes this year, and build his own coaching team.
Former Test quick Jason Gillespie, a long-time teammate of Langer, has been spoken about as a possible bowling coach and said he’s happy to take a call from Cricket Australia.
But Gillespie, who has been a head coach in England and is currently in charge of the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, said he would be more likely to take on part-time roles, like Ponting’s at the World Cup.
“I spend half my year overseas now but still spend more time at home than I would if I was on the international circuit,” Gillespie said.
“We have a young family, for me to go on the road full-time, it would have to be something I was passionate about and couldn’t turn down.
“Cricket Australia have got my number if they ever want to have a conversation and anywhere I could help.”