Exclusive interview with Australia's batting coach, Justin Langer

Legendary Australian opening batsman, Justin Langer, who is known for his passion for the Baggy Green, is currently the assistant and batting coach of the Australian cricket team. His opening partnership with Matthew Hayden is one of the all-time best. He is known for his gritty batting display and also for being an inspiring team-player. His commitment to the team, his team mates and to the game of cricket has been displayed throughout the length of his career.

Langer was appointed as assistant coach to Tim Neilsen, batting coach and mentor for the Australian cricket team in 2009.

In an exclusive interview with sportskeeda.com, he gives us insights into his new challenge of mentoring and coaching the Australian team.

Excerpts:

What made you take up the role of assistant and batting coach for the Australian cricket team?

The first time I was asked to coach Australia was during my playing time at Somerset (The England cricket county team), when Tim Neilsen, Australia’s head coach then and Ricky Ponting, the captain then, asked me if I would be interested in getting involved in coaching the team. I wasn’t sure if I was interested in taking up a coaching post playing, but it was a really good opportunity and I must say, it has been a great journey since.

Player or coach; which of the two is more challenging mentally?

Nothing can replace playing; playing is the ultimate and I have always loved playing. But having said that, coaching also has its own challenges. All of a sudden, you’re not just looking after yourself, but you’re looking after about 11 to 15 other players and keeping up with their challenges. Both have their challenges, but nothing will ever replace playing.

From a coach’s perspective, what according to you is the most important factor in propelling the team forward?

First of all, I think preparation is very important for all the contests during the course of a game, then comes the mental capacity to face battles on the field. Last, but most importantly: team unity. I think the camaraderie within the team and with those who you play along with, and team-spirit helps keep the team together, particularly when the team is under pressure, are factors very important in propelling a team forward.

How important is the role of a mentor, given the excessive amount of cricket being played now?

I think mentoring is critical. I have been fortunate to have great people during my time. One for the amount of cricket, and also for other distractions; there is so much media, so much money to be made, such high expectations of the players. There is a need to have someone you can trust and who can mentor you in times like these. While playing cricket along with all the distractions, mentoring becomes critical and there has to be a strategy in place for it to be successful.

How different is the present team culture from that during your days?

During my playing days, the team consisted of an incredible group of senior players. It had a lot of great players who were already in the team and there were some big names in there, whereas this is a much younger team. There is a blend of great players and aspiring to be great players, along with some youngsters. The difference comes in terms of experience. There is definitely a difference in the culture .

What role have the senior players (Ponting, Hussey, Clarke etc.) played in the integration of the younger lot into the current team that has assisted them deliver at crucial times?

I’ve always felt the most important people in the team are the senior players, because not only do the senior players perform on the field, but act as great mentors for the younger players. Senior players having experience of years under their belt and having played in different circumstances, know what to expect on and off the field, hence play a critical role.

In your 100th Test match, when you suffered a concussion after being hit by Makhaya Ntini; what made you pad up to go out and bat if required, despite knowing another similar hit would be fatal?

I think the most important thing for me is playing for my teammates and I didn’t want to let my team down. I didn’t want to have any regrets in the long run, and think at the end of my career that maybe I could have gone out and batted, than not have gone out at all. Not letting my team mates down was the most important thing for me.

Your book The Power of Passion, has a mention of a lot of people who have inspired you in your life, who has had the greatest impact on you as a person and as a cricketer and how?

I’ve been extremely fortunate that many great people have helped me during my career. But I think, probably my Father is first person, who has played a very important part in making me the person I am today. In cricket, I think Steve Waugh has had a huge impact on me because he always believed in my ability and backed my ability as a cricketer, and he was also an extraordinary leader. So I think it has to be my father and Steve Waugh.

As a child, who was your childhood cricketing hero?

When I was growing up, probably Kim Hughes was one of them along with Viv Richards and Dennis Lillee, who were my heroes. I loved cricket when I was a little kid.

What is that one thing that had been said to you that has changed your life?

I’d say, there are two things; one is you have to love what you do and you have to be very passionate no matter whatever you are doing. Secondly, its the pain of discipline. Nothing compares to the pain of discipline, which for me is nothing but development, which is critical.