Justin Langer, as expected, will replace Darren Lehmann as Australia coach, 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 coach resigned after three of his players, including captain Steve Smith, were banned for their part in the ball-tampering.

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 engagement 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 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 concussed after being hit on the head by a bouncer from Makhaya Ntini. The first ball of Australia’s innings in the third Test rose off the pitch to hit the left-handed Langer behind his right ear, causing ‘significant concussion’.

Photo: Luis Ascui/EPA/BackpagePix