Adam Gilchrist speaks out on speculation linking Justin Langer with vacant England job

Adam Gilchrist has described Justin Langer as a ‘good fit’ for England, though feels his former team-mate may need more time to ‘heal’ after resigning as Australia head coach.

Langer rejected Cricket Australia’s offer of a short-term contract extension and announced that he would be leaving the position earlier this month, just weeks after steering the side to a dominant 4-0 Ashes victory over England.

The 51-year-old took over the role in May 2018 and also enjoyed success with the T20 team, leading Aaron Finch and Co on a triumphant World Cup campaign last year.

Australia legends Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden and Gilchrist – who all played with Langer – have joined in criticising Cricket Australia’s handling of the situation in the fallout.

Langer has since been mooted as a possible candidate for the vacant England head coach role, with Paul Collingwood leading the Test side on an interim basis following Chris Silverwood’s departure.

Speaking to The Barmy Army’s The Shackles Are Off podcast, Gilchrist suggested Langer could be the best man to take England forward alongside Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

Asked what the future holds for Langer, Gilchrist replied: ‘I don’t think he’s going to be short of opportunities, so he needs to work that out.

‘I don’t say this in a provocative sense, but I do look at the setup at the moment with England and think he would be a good fit.

‘It would be awesome to see Justin Langer working with Ben Stokes. The work ethic from Stokes is on par with Justin Langer’s and that would be intriguing to see what could grow and develop and sprout from that.

‘And Joe Root as captain I think would benefit from a figure like Justin alongside him.’

Gilchrist believes Langer may need more time