‘The ultimate insult’: Justin Langer set for England Test job after Bazball fail
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 Brendan ‘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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In England it’s fair to say the reaction to Langer’s likely appointment has been mixed with some praising the move while many others have lamented the signing of yet another foreign coach.
“The ultimate insult, an Aussie coaching England it shouldn’t happen. I simply won’t watch them,” posted one Barmy Army follower on X.
“Should be interesting, if for nothing else than to see how Langer reacts to Harry Brook’s brainless batting,” commented another.
“Wouldn’t trust Rob Key to run a bath, never mind English cricket,” added an another.
One of Australia’s finest opening batsmen, the 55-year-old coached Australia in all formats between 2018-2022 before departing in strained circumstances following a reported falling out with senior Australian players.
Langer has most recently been head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL since 2023 and also coached London Spirit in The Hundred in 2025 but was replaced this season by Andy Fowler.
Australia will tour England in less than 12 months for the 2027 Ashes Test Series.
According to @TheCricketerMag, Justin Langer is now the favourite to replace Brendon McCullum as England Men’s Test coach 😳 pic.twitter.com/GgIfYDp6jm
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 17, 2026
