Justin Langer saga drags on as Cricket Australia announces outcome of seven-hour meeting

The saga surrounding Justin Langer’s coaching future will drag on after Cricket Australia failed to reach a resolution on his future during a marathon board meeting.

Directors met throughout the business day in Melbourne on Friday, where Langer’s future was a priority after six months of speculation about his job.

Head of performance Ben Oliver was expected to present a recommendation to the board on the team’s direction, after meeting with both Langer and senior players.

However, by the time CEO Nick Hockley emerged at close to 6.30pm, officials had no resolution other than to continue talks with the coach.

“We had extensive discussions about Justin Langer’s contract,” Hockley said.

“We will now enter into confidential discussions with Justin and the outcome will be announced as soon as possible.

“I’m afraid I have no further comment at this stage.”

It means every possibility remains on the table, including severing ties with Langer early, offering him a new deal or even splitting the role between red and white-ball formats.

Australia have just three weeks until they leave for a Test tour of Pakistan, by which time Langer, support staff and players would surely want an answer.

Players will also be forced to face questions on the issue daily in the media next week when they enter camp for a five-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka.

Assistant coach Andrew McDonald will handle those matches, with Langer taking a pre-arranged rest before the trip to Pakistan.

On the field, Langer’s winning record is bettered only by John Buchanan since Australia started employing full-time coaches in 1985.

But the key sticking point with Langer has long been more about his intensity off the field than Australia’s results on it, with