LONDON: Former Australia boss Justin Langer has been tasked with reviving the fortunes of the London Spirit in English cricket’s controversial Hundred competition after being named head coach of the struggling men’s side.
Langer’s appointment comes just over a month after compatriot Trevor Bayliss, once in charge of the England men’s national team, took up his role as coach after overseeing just three wins in the previous two seasons at the Hundred. had left
Opening batsman Langer, 54, played more than 100 Tests for Australia and also coached his native country from 2018-22, winning two Ashes series and the 2021 T20 World Cup.
He has previously coached Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash and is the head coach of Lucknow Supergiants in the Indian Premier League. “I am delighted to be appointed to this role with London Spirit, and I am excited to experience The Hundred,” said Langer. “I look forward to being a part of the tournament later this year and working with such a talented group of players and coaches.”
The Hundred, where each team bowls 100 balls per innings, consists of eight specially designed clubs, each with men’s and women’s teams. It has proved controversial and a source of disappointment to many long-time English cricket fans as it makes it the only senior domestic men’s competition that does not include all of the traditional 18 first-class counties.