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Australian Test cricket coach Justin Langer inducted into Hall of Fame

Scott BaileyAAP
Coach Justin Langer has been inducted into Australian cricket’s Hall of Fame.
Camera IconCoach Justin Langer has been inducted into Australian cricket’s Hall of Fame. Credit: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images for the Australian

Justin Langer has been inducted into Australian cricket’s Hall of Fame just a week out from a crucial board meeting that could shape his future.

With his role as national coach in the spotlight all summer, Langer was given the ultimate accolade on Thursday with his induction into the elite group.

Raelee Thompson was also elevated to Hall-of-Fame status, with the pair the 58th and 59th inductees.

A former Test quick, Thompson is still seen as a pioneer of the women’s game some 37 years after her final match for Australia.

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Langer meanwhile hopes to have a continued role in Australia’s elite structure after six months of speculation around his job.

Langer with Australian captain Pat Cummins.
Camera IconLanger with Australian captain Pat Cummins. Credit: Visionhaus/Visionhaus
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The left-hander remains the seventh highest run-scorer in Australia’s Test history, with 7696 at an average of 45.27.

He formed part of the nation’s greatest ever opening partnership with Matthew Hayden, with his grittiness and desire to fight a trademark of his career.

As a coach he has also helped lead Australia out of the ball-tampering scandal, and this summer led successful campaigns in both the Twenty20 World Cup and Ashes.

But despite this, speculation has still surrounded his role.

The coach has made a point of stepping back in recent times with players concerned he had become too intense.

His future is expected to be discussed at a Cricket Australia board meeting next week, with the coach off-contract following the March tour of Pakistan that could also be rubber-stamped at the same meeting.

There is a growing suggestion Langer’s deal could be extended, but the length of it and whether it involves all three formats it still up for debate.

Justin Langer.
Camera IconJustin Langer. Credit: Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images for the Australian

“Justin and Raelee are extremely deserving inductees and it is wonderful to acknowledge and celebrate the immense achievements,” CA CEO Nick Hockley said.

“Justin has had a tremendous impact on Australian cricket, both at the top of the order alongside Matthew Hayden, as a coach of Western Australia and more recently ... the Australian men’s team.”

Thompson meanwhile took 57 Test wickets at an average of 18.24 and 24 ODI wickets at 18.66.

She is the oldest player to take a maiden five-wicket haul in Test matches, and captained Australia to reclaim the Ashes for the first time in 30 years in her final match in 1985.

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