Cricket great Ricky Ponting is the latest key figure to vouch for Justin Langer, as the Australian head coach faces ongoing pressure to retain his position.
Despite a strong record at the helm of both Australia's Test and white-ball squads - including a T20 World Cup title and 4-0 Ashes victory - Langer has continued to face conjecture as to whether Cricket Australia should hand the former opener a contract extension past the middle of this year.
Test captain Pat Cummins and ex-Australian skipper Steve Waugh recently came to Langer's defence this week, both giving glowing recommendations for the 51-year-old.
Now, Langer's own former captain in Ricky Ponting has looked to squash suggestions the ex-Western Australia coach should be moved on from his role.
Speaking on Channel 7's broadcast of the fifth Ashes Test on Sunday following Australia's series win, Pointing stated his disbelief to hear the constant remarks in the media that were directed toward Langer's title as coach.
“I can‘t see how he cannot be re-signed, simple as that,” Ponting said on Channel 7.
“If he wants to go on in this role, there's a bit speculation about whether they'll split the roles and be a Test Match coach and a white ball coach.
“On performance, there is absolutely no way that Justin Langer cannot continue on as head coach of this Australian cricket team.”
Cricket Australia are set to spark formal discussions with Langer in regards to the Perth-born coach's future within the Australian camp, with there being some suggestion that CA could look to split the head coach duties for the red and white-ball formats.
A move of that nature would open positions for potential candidates in Australia assistant Andrew McDonald or former England coach Trevor Bayliss, who have both been linked to the senior coaching position.
Australia are scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-Test series in March following their ODI and T20 fixtures against New Zealand and Sri Lanka starting later this month.
