He definitely wants to coach again: Ponting on Langer, potential Hobart Hurricanes coach

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting revealed that Justin Langer wants to coach again and is one of the top contenders for the coaching roles of Hobart Hurricanes.

Ricky Ponting signed a three-year contract on Thursday (June 9th) with his former BBL club, Hobart Hurricanes, as a head of strategy role and has been given the charge of recruiting a new head coach for the Hurricanes.

Hurricanes have reached the finals twice in the last five seasons but failed to clinch the trophy. They have been one of the two teams, along with Melbourne Stars, to have never won the silverware. They got knocked out in the Eliminator last season, and then head coach of the Hurricanes, Adam Griffith, stood down from the post. Since then, they have been looking for a new head coach, with Justin Langer being rumoured to take up the role even before Ponting's arrival.

Langer recently opened up on his mental health following his resignation from the Australian Men's cricket team coach post. He has wanted to keep himself away from cricket for some time now.

However, Ricky Ponting claimed that "he wants to coach again," during his press conference in Hobart and said that Justin is a possible target for the post.

"He definitely wants to coach again.I think he's got a bit more thinking to do as far as a commitment like this is concerned through the summer, but every chat I've had with him so far, he wants to coach again," Ponting said. 

Hurricanes captain Matthew Wade, who was an integral part of the Australian team under Justin Langer, also reacted to Ricky Ponting's claim about the potential recruitment of the former Australian coach as Hurricanes coach. 

"In terms of the coach, I have no idea who's on Ricky's short list. He's obviously mentioned JL (Langer). I'm sure he and the management will work through that, and we'll find out where it lands," Wade said during a press conference in Sri Lanka ahead of the third T20I between Sri Lanka and Australia. 

Wade further reflected on what he expects in the future of working with Langer again at the Hurricanes as his coaching style was called out to be "intense" by a few of the young players in the Australian setup. 

"That was the feedback JL got when he was with the Aussie team," Wade said.

"Whether or not that coaching style has changed or will change when he jumps back into coaching, the proof will be in the pudding. "It's hard to comment on what might happen or the coaching style that Justin might bring whatever team he ends up coaching next. I can't really dictate that much, I just continue to do what I'm doing and when the time comes I'm sure someone will reach out and we'll work it out."

"Nothing's finalized with Justin yet. But I'll stay on him because I've got a pretty good understanding and feeling of what we need down here at the Hurricanes as far as that head coaching position is concerned."