After Langer won the first test within two and a half days by sacking India for its lowest test score of 36, he said his team would try to drive the advantage home in their absence Virat Kohli by relentless pressure on the new skipper Ajinkya Rahane.
What would he have done if he had been in India’s trainer Ravi Shastri’s shoes?
“None of my business. I’ve had enough of stress … I can empathize with the opposition and I know what it feels like. When India feels stress, I am glad that it is them and not us over the Christmas weekend.” Langer said during a virtual media conference organized by the TV series Sony Network.
He admitted the lack of Kohli (paternity leave) and Mohammed Shami (wrist fracture) would be an asset to his team, but the focus remains firmly on his own planning.
“Of course, no matter what sport you play, if you beat two of your stars, Virat Kohli is one great player of all time I think and Shami is a real glue for the team because he’s so stingy and skillful. We certainly exist an advantage, “he said.
“We have to start strong on day one and put pressure on Rahane as he is the new captain of India for this series. So the processes don’t change. Whenever you take out the best players on a cricket team, they are weakened and.” that’s the reality, “he said.
While David Warner is out of the second Test, Langer couldn’t definitively say whether the dashing opener will be available for the third Test in Sydney.
“I’m very hopeful … as I’ve said for the past three weeks, he’ll do anything to get back on the ground, so keep your fingers crossed,” he said.
But he’s having trouble walking?
“He’s starting to get a little bit of trouble at full speed, if he gets that back and feels safe he’ll of course be back on our team so we’ll be monitoring him regularly and keeping our fingers crossed for him.” I’ll be back, “said Langer.
Tim Paine’s batting has been a topic of discussion as the Australians judge every goalkeeper by the Adam Gilchrist prism, but the coach has tremendous confidence in his skipper’s abilities and the leadership qualities he has shown over the past two years.
“You think of Adam Gilchrist who changed the game in some ways and that’s why Adam Gilchrist is a great player of all time because he changed the game. I have tremendous faith in Tim Paine,” said Langer.
“… whether it’s his wicket stance, his captain, his batting, I’ve been saying publicly and privately for almost the last year that he’s our most important player because he’s a leading wicket keeper, turning his lead on and off The field is incredible, “he said.
“… we saw he can play, how well he fought under pressure in Adelaide in the first innings, probably actually changed the game with the expiration of Virat Kohli so he’s a great player, a great leader and I literally love having him on our team, “he said.