Cricket: WA coach Langer says it’s too early to think about Australian coaching job

WA coach Justin Langer says it’s too early to think about the prospect of him taking over from Darren Lehmann as Australia’s head coach.

Test great Langer insists he is loving his job at the WACA after current Australia head coach Darren Lehmann revealed earlier this week that he will step down from his role in 2019.

Langer is the early favourite to take over the reins, with the 47-year-old highly regarded by Cricket Australia’s hierarchy.

Lehmann has previously anointed Langer as his likely successor.

He has already been given a taste of the top job, coaching Australia in both a T20 and ODI series on an interim basis.

Langer has also enjoyed remarkable success with the Perth Scorchers and WA.

However, he was careful not to get carried away when asked about the possibility of taking over from Lehmann in 2019.

“It’s all hypothetical. It’s two years away,” Langer said after guiding the Scorchers to victory over the Melbourne Stars last night.

“Had we lost (against the Stars), I would be a rubbish coach and not even considered for it.

“So I know how fickle it is. It’s so fickle. It’s all about timing.

“A lot happens in two years. Honestly I don’t even have to think about it at the moment. I love my job here.”

The Scorchers have started their title defence with consecutive wins to go top of the Big Bash League table.

Their hot start has come despite being without stars Mitch and Shaun Marsh, Cameron Bancroft, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff.

Coulter-Nile is a chance to return from a back injury for Friday night’s clash with the Renegades at Docklands Stadium.