Justin Langer happy with the welcome break due to COVID-19

Xtra Time Web Desk: Australian men’s team head coach Justin Langer sees a silver lining in-spite of the sporting shutdowns due to the coronavirus outbreak. Australian cricketers have been enjoying this break from cricket, spending quality time with their families. Cricket Australia were forced to cancel their home limited-overs series against New Zealand after just one match and their Test tour to Bangladesh in June also looks uncertain at present.

Most of the Australian cricketers have been playing non-stop cricket since last year’s World Cup and hence Langer feels this time off should be savoured. Langer believes that the players should consider this extended break as a blessing, spending time with family and use it to recharge their batteries.

“I’m trying to encourage our players to find some silver lining,” he said. “We identified in South Africa a number of our players were physically and mentally exhausted.

“We had all winter (in England) with the World Cup and the Ashes then into our summer… it gives them [players] a really good opportunity to recharge. We’re looking at scenarios to make sure we’ll be ready for whatever comes.”

The Australian coach has been keeping in touch with the contracted players via conference call.
“We talked about it in a conference call yesterday, “he said. “Particularly for any of our staff or players who are home alone basically, we have to keep an eye on those guys and girls to make sure they’re OK.

“Caring about people is a really important part of leadership, “said Langer.
However Langer also expressed his concerns for this indefinite break from cricket. He is worried about the impact prolonged isolation will have on a player’s mental health.