The Seven Network has confirmed that former Australian men’s coach Justin Langer AM will join its commentary team for the upcoming cricket season.
The former Test cricket opening batsman will play a key on-air role in Seven’s coverage of cricket across the summer months, joining the commentary team led by Ricky Ponting. He will also write a regular, exclusive column for The West Australian.
One of the most successful Test cricket opening batsmen in the history of the game, Langer represented Australia in 105 Tests. His acclaimed partnership with Matthew Hayden included a total of 5,655 runs over a period of 113 innings, making it the second most successful partnership in Test cricket worldwide.
Following a stint as coach of Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers in Australian domestic cricket, Justin Langer was appointed head coach of the Australian cricket team in 2018, a position he held until he resigned in 2022. He is also a best-selling author and works with a host of charity organisations.
Managing director Seven Melbourne and head of Network Sport, Lewis Martin, said: “We are honoured that Justin has agreed to be part of our commentary team for the 2022-23 summer. He is a true legend of the sport, both as a player and a coach, and an inspiration to many Australians.
“The addition of Justin to our on-air team is a clear demonstration of our ongoing commitment to deliver world-class coverage of the summer of cricket, live and free, to all Australians.”
Langer said: “Test cricket has been a part of my life since I was a little kid. Having been fortunate to have played and coached in the Test arena, I am now delighted to be given the opportunity to commentate on the game I love, with a great company and team at Seven. The BBL was also a pivotal part of my life, so I am excited to be involved again this summer.”
West Australian Newspapers editor-in-chief, Anthony De Ceglie, said: “We’re extremely excited to have Justin writing exclusively for us. His knowledge and insight into the game of cricket is unrivalled, but these columns will be more than just an analysis of the latest Test. They will also give an insight into his broader views of leadership and values across sport and life.”
Full details of Seven’s 2022-23 cricket commentary team will be revealed later this year.