Ponting hints at Langer’s next move and speaks out over Paine’s future

Australia legend Ricky Ponting has been named head of strategy at BBL franchise Hobart Hurricanes and could recruit both Justin Langer and Tim Paine to be part of the side’s coaching staff

Ricky Ponting has revealed that Justin Langer “definitely wants to coach again” following his acrimonious departure as Australia head coach back in February.

Langer resigned after leading Australia to victory at the T20 World Cup and a 4-0 win over England in the Ashes. In his resignation letter, Langer cited a lack of support from senior players, support staff and the board as the reasons behind his decision and later claimed “bulls***” politics” played a part in his exit.

The 51-year-old did hint earlier this month that he could walk away from cricket, but Ponting could offer Langer a way back into coaching. The former Australia captain has been confirmed as head of strategy at Big Bash League (BBL) side Hobart Hurricanes and one of his first tasks will be to help the franchise appoint a new head coach.

Adam Griffith stood down as head coach in January and Langer has been linked as a potential replacement, having led Perth Scorchers to three BBL titles. Speaking at a press conference, Ponting was asked about the prospect of Langer joining the Hurricanes and replied: “He definitely wants to coach again.

“I think he’s got a bit more thinking to do as far as a commitment like this is concerned through the summer, but every chat I’ve had with him so far, he wants to coach again. He’s probably the one that I’ve spoken to the most about it so far.

“We’ve been having a bit of dialogue through the last probably six or seven months to be honest. Nothing’s finalised with Justin yet.

“But I’ll stay on him because I’ve got a pretty good understanding and feeling of what we need down here at the Hurricanes as far as that head coaching position is concerned. And I know JL would do a great job if he was the one.”

Ponting also suggested Tim Paine could join the Hurricanes’ coaching staff as well, with his playing career seemingly over. Paine resigned as Australia captain on the eve of the Ashes due to a historic sexting scandal and has not played since.

He was not given a new contract by Tasmania last month and, at the age of 37, it seems likely that he will not play again. However, Paine did do some coaching with Tasmania towards the end of the most recent Sheffield Shield season and Ponting has left the door open for him to be involved with the Hurricanes.

“I’ll talk to a few of the other people around about what I’d like to be able to achieve with the Hurricanes, [and that] is to bring as many great Tasmanian people back around the franchise as possible, and I think Tim Paine fits perfectly into that mould,” Ponting added. “So whenever and if he’s ever ready to walk back and put another purple shirt on, I’m sure lots of Tasmanians, would like to see him involved.”