Quantcast

Langer not thinking about Aussie job - yet

Scorchers coach happy to carry on his success in the west for the time being

Test great Justin Langer insists it's too early to talk up his prospects of becoming Australia's next head coach, saying he is loving his job at the WACA.

Current head coach Darren Lehmann confirmed earlier this week that he still intends to step down from his role in 2019.

Langer is the early favourite to take over the reins, with the 47-year-old highly regarded by Cricket Australia's hierarchy.

Lehmann has previously anointed Langer as his likely successor and the Western Australian has already been given a taste of the top job, coaching Australia in both a T20 and ODI series on an interim basis.

Langer has also enjoyed remarkable success with the Perth Scorchers and Western Australia, winning silverware with both organisations.

However, he was careful not to get carried away when asked about the possibility of taking over from Lehmann in 2019.

"It's all hypothetical. It's two years away," Langer said after guiding the Scorchers to victory over the Melbourne Stars on Tuesday night.

"Had we lost (against the Stars), I would be a rubbish coach and not even considered for it.

"So I know how fickle it is. It's so fickle. It's all about timing.

"A lot happens in two years. Honestly I don't even have to think about it at the moment. I love my job here."

Match highlights: Scorchers blaze to win over Stars

The Scorchers have started their title defence with consecutive wins to go top of the KFC BBL table.

Their hot start has come despite being without stars Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Cameron Bancroft, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff.

Coulter-Nile is a chance to return from a back injury for Friday night's clash with the Renegades at Etihad Stadium.

The Renegades are also unbeaten after two games, and Langer couldn't speak more highly of them.

"I think they're the favourites for the tournament," Langer said. "They're so well balanced. They've got experience.

"Cameron White is a brilliant leader. Aaron Finch is dangerous.

"Brad Hodge - mate I would pay money to watch Hodge bat. I think they're the team to beat."

Image Id: 41E8FEDBE459481483607C34283E7732