India vs Australia: ‘None of my business’ – Justin Langer on being in Ravi Shastri’s shoes

India vs Australia: ‘None of my business’ – Justin Langer on being in Ravi Shastri’s shoes

Justin Langer and Ravi Shastri

Justin Langer and Ravi Shastri
Justin Langer and Ravi Shastri

After suffering from a horrible defeat against Australia during the inaugural Test match in Adelaide, cricket fans started slamming the head coach Ravi Shastri. Many even questioned the silence from Shastri after the team bundled out for their lowest total (36) ever. 

As the two teams now charge up for the second Test in Melbourne, Australian head coach Justin Langer dodged a tricky question while addressing a virtual press conference. On being asked what if he was in Shastri’s place after India’s 8-wicket defeat, Langer replied ‘that’s none of my business’.

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“None of my business. I have had enough with stresses,” Langer said during a virtual media conference organised by series broadcasters Sony Network. “I empathise with the opposition, and I know what it feels like. If India is feeling any stress, I am glad they are and not us over the Christmas weekend.”

Virat and Shami’s absence gives us an advantage: Langer

Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane to lead India in Virat’s absence

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and speedster Mohammed Shami won’t be playing the remaining matches of the Test series against Australia. Langer stated that hosts would have some advantage in the absence of India’s ace duo. The southpaw also reckoned that the kangaroos would look to build pressure on the visitors’ stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane. 

“Of course, whatever sport you play, if you take out two of your stars, Virat Kohli is an all-time great player I think. And Shami is a real glue for the team because he is so miserly and skilful. It surely gives us some advantage,” he said.

“We need to start strongly on the first day and build 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 of any cricket team, it weakens them, and that’s the reality,” he concluded.

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