Cricket Australia have categorically denied reports saying former Test opener Justin Langer is set to succeed Darren Lehmann as the national coach in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal.
The West Australian had reported on Wednesday that board was to ratify Langer’s appointment at a meeting on Friday. However, the governing body issued a statement that no appointment has been made yet.
“The process to be undertaken for the appointment of a new Australian men’s head coach will be discussed and agreed at the CA board meeting this Friday,” a CA spokesperson said in a statement, published by cricket.com.au.
“No appointment has been made, and nor will any candidate be put to the board for ratification on Friday.
“We expect to have a clearer understanding of the approach and appointment timelines following this meeting.”
The 47-year-old Langer has long been considered one of the front-runners for the job after Lehmann’s tenure came to an end after the Ashes next year. He was the national team’s batting coach in the past and stood in for Lehmann for a one-day tour of the West Indies in 2016. He has coached Western Australia and Perth Scorchers for the past five seasons and overseeing three Big Bash League and two one-day title runs as well.
Cricket Australia is still in the process of conducting a review in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last month.