Cricket news 2022: Justin Langer signs deal with Channel 7 after being dumped by Cricket Australia

Channel 7 is currently at war with Cricket Australia, with the stoush continuing in Federal Court. Here’s why Justin Langer couldn’t refuse an offer to change sides.

Justin Langer and David Warner. Picture: Mark Kolbe - CA/Cricket Australia

Justin Langer will be asked to pass judgment on the players who passed judgment on him after signing a new deal with Channel 7.

The former Australian coach is venturing into the world of commentary this summer and will provide analysis on Pat Cummins’ team in their Test series against the West Indies and South Africa.

Seven is currently at war with Cricket Australia and attempting to terminate its broadcast deal in the Federal Court for breach of contract.

There is no love lost between Langer and CA either.

Langer told a recent podcast hosted by former England rugby great Jonny Wilkinson that he still carries scars from his brutal demise as Australian coach where he was the victim of a player revolt – but has found solace in spending more time with family and friends, away from the game in Western Australia.

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Former Australian cricket coach Justin Langer has signed a deal with Channel 7. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images

After deciding he was not ready to return to coaching at the Hobart Hurricanes where he would have been in partnership with Ricky Ponting, Langer will instead join his close friend and advocate in anchoring Seven’s summer coverage of Test cricket and the Big Bash.

“Test cricket has been a part of my life since I was a little kid. Having been fortunate to have played and coached in the Test arena, I am now delighted to be given the opportunity to commentate on the game I love, with a great company and team at Seven,” said Langer.

“The BBL was also a pivotal part of my life, so I am excited to be involved again this summer.”

Despite overseeing Australia’s historic World Cup win and Ashes triumph, Langer was effectively shown the door by Cricket Australia, and his ugly resignation sparked outrage amongst retired greats, led by Ponting.

It is no secret Langer lost the support of leading figures in the Australian dressing room and he received very little public support from members of the current playing group when the end came.

By his own admission, Langer has found the taxing episode difficult to reconcile, and mystery surrounds whether he will ever seek to return to coaching.

“Ironically, the last six months of my coaching career were the most enjoyable period of 12 years of coaching,” Langer said at a public speaking event in WA two months ago.

“Not only did we win everything, but I had energy and I had focus and I was happy – besides the bulls**t politics.”

Now he will commentate on Australia’s first summer without him, with Andrew McDonald the new coach at the helm.

Langer will also write a regular column for Seven newspaper, The West Australian where he will also be asked the critique the performances of the national team that triggered his departure.

Despite the fact Seven are attempting to terminate its $450 million broadcast deal with Cricket Australia in the Federal Court, Langer’s signing shows that the coming season is not in jeopardy.

Langer and David Warner celebrating victory in the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“The addition of Justin to our on-air team is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to deliver world-class coverage of the summer of cricket,” said Seven’s head of sport, Lewis Martin.

Langer will also commentate on the Big Bash competition, many thought he would be part of this summer.

There was a feeling Langer would link with the Hobart Hurricanes after Ponting was appointed its new head of cricket.

Ponting certainly wanted Langer on board, but it became clear the former Australian opener was not ready to return to coaching – still deeply wounded by his treatment last summer.

“The initial conversations were pretty exciting. And he would like to get back involved again,” said Ponting.

“But as things got progressed and things got a little bit closer, I think he‘s had some other opportunities and exciting things maybe come across his desk that he thinks he might be able to enjoy a little bit more through the course of the summer.”