Six candidates to replace Justin Langer as Australia coach

Australia's men's cricket team is on the hunt for a new coach after Justin Langer's resignation this morning, with six candidates leading the race to replace him.

Andrew McDonald

The most likely option and the man who Cricket Australia this afternoon appointed interim head coach while they search for Langer's replacement. Has filled in for Langer in previous white-ball series and also has an apprenticeship in charge of Victoria. Has overseas roles in franchise Twenty20 leagues, but could easily drop them to take on the top job in Australia.

Trevor Bayliss

Australian coach who guided England to their last Ashes win in 2015 as well as the 2019 ODI World Cup title. Is now back in Sydney coaching the Thunder as well as various other Twenty20 roles around the world. Has a close relationship with several players through his time in charge of NSW last decade, in particular captain Pat Cummins, with both hailing from Penrith. A known supporter of splitting the coaching role between red and white-ball formats. Has said the senior Australia job would be the only international coaching role he would consider.

Jason Gillespie

A genuine option when Darren Lehmann quit following the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 before Langer won the role. The former quick was also linked to the England role in 2019 after a stint with Yorkshire that included two straight County Championship titles. If he doesn't land the Australian job, there is every chance England could look at the current South Australia and Adelaide Strikers coach to replace the departed Chris Silverwood.

Ricky Ponting

While no doubt a popular and well-credentialled option, Ponting has previously flagged the workload of a head coaching role at international level does not appeal to him and his young family. Worked as an assistant with Langer for the 2019 ODI World Cup and has said he'd be open to short-term roles with the national side in the future. But with media and family commitments as well as in the Indian Premier League, the former Test skipper is an outside chance at best, particularly following the acrimonious exit of his close friend, Langer.

Greg Shipperd

An outside option who has made a name for himself with a long history of success in Australian domestic cricket. Would also be well equipped for a white-ball role if it was split, given his recent success at the Sydney Sixers as well as four seasons in charge in the early days of the Melbourne Stars. Again, has a close bond with many players after his time in the domestic roles. 

Michael Di Venuto

Another current assistant alongside Andrew McDonald and Jeff Vaughan who would be the biggest outside shot on the list. Has been in and out of Australia's set up since 2013 as a batting coach, while also gaining head-coach experience at Surrey between 2016 and 2020. Alongside McDonald and Vaughan, has taken on more responsibility in recent months after Langer agreed to loosen his grip somewhat during the Twenty20 World Cup win.

Dettol T20 Series v Sri Lanka 2022

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Josh Inglis, Ben McDermott, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa

Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando

February 11: First T20, SCG, 7.10pm AEDT

February 13: Second T20, SCG, 7.10pm AEDT

February 15: Third T20, Manuka Oval, 7.10pm AEDT

February 18: Fourth T20, MCG, 7.10pm AEDT

February 20: Fifth T20, MCG, 7.10pm AEDT

All matches broadcast exclusively on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports. Radio coverage by ABC Grandstand