Justin Langer, as expected, will replace Darren Lehmann as Australia coach, and will be tasked with rebuilding the team after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Langer, 47, had been earmarked as Lehmann’s successor after next year’s dual World Cup and Ashes assignment in the UK, but his position was advanced after the loss of three players, including captain Steve Smith, due to their part in the ball-tampering incident.

The 105-Test veteran, who retired from international cricket 10 years ago, begins a four-year term later this month ahead of June’s ODI and T20I engagements against England.

Langer, who will also sit on the player review panel chaired by Rick McCosker, has a strong work ethic and high principles which he forged as the coach of the Scorchers. He has a five-point ‘charter’– hard work, honest words and actions, celebration of success, earn respect through deeds and show respect to the game’s heritage.

In South Africa, the former batsman may best be remembered for his 100th Test: he was taken to hospital for a concussion after being hit on the head by a bouncer from Makhaya Ntini. The incident happened after the first ball of Australia’s innings rose off the pitch and struck the left-handed Langer behind his right ear, causing ‘significant concussion’.

Photo: Luis Ascui/EPA/BackpagePix