‘The ultimate insult’: Justin Langer set for England Test job after Bazball fail
Australian cricket coach Justin Langer is reportedly the frontrunner to lead the England Test team following the departure of Brendon McCullum. The potential appointment has sparked mixed reactions among English fans due to Langer's Australian background.
Why it matters
The appointment of a high-profile foreign coach to a national team is a significant cultural and strategic move in international sports.
Peter Maniaty Sat, July 18, 2026 at 1:13 AM UTC · 2 min read There are multiple reports that Australian great Justin Langer is in pole position to become the new England Test cricket coach following Andy Fowler’s decision to withdraw from the running.
It follows the ECB’s decision to replace Brendon ‘Bazball’ McCullum in the red ball format after poor Test series defeats away to Australia (4-1) and at home to New Zealand (2-1) in the past eight months as well as a host of off-field dramas.
If confirmed, Langer’s appointment would cap a major turnaround given he has previously dismissed any suggestion he would be open to coaching Australia’s greatest cricketing rivals.
“I’ve never spoken to English cricket, the thought of coaching England? Mate!” Langer scoffed in the wake of his departure from the Australian top job back in 2022.
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