Finch lauds Langer for 'fantastic job'

Despite helping Australia win the Twenty20 World Cup and an Ashes series in the space of a few months, Langer's position has again been questioned ahead of his deal expiring mid-year.

Finch and Test skipper Pat Cummins may be asked to provide input to Cricket Australia as it considers extending Langer's four-year tenure.

After accepting criticism of his intense leadership style, Langer's more hands-off approach has coincided with a rich period of form for Australia.

"He's done a fantastic job," Finch said at Friday's fixture announcement for the 2022 T20 World Cup.

"To win the World Cup when nobody really gave us a chance and then to dominate the Ashes four-nil, to almost get there five-nil, was super impressive.

"I'm not going to comment on what Cricket Australia's process will be, but he's done an amazing job over the last few months in particular.

"Whatever happens from the Cricket Australia side of things, that's out of our control as players. But his contract's up so no doubt there'll be some talk there.

"I know Patty (Cummins) and myself might be contacted about that ... I've never really been in a leadership role when somebody has got coaching contracts up."

Like Finch, Cummins has repeatedly praised Langer but stopped short of an outright public endorsement for the former Test opener to be retained.

While there had reportedly been tension in the past, Finch said Langer had now fostered a positive dressing room.

"To see how good the environment's been throughout the T20 World Cup and then throughout the Ashes is a credit to everyone involved there," he said.

Meanwhile, Finch said he would keep soldiering on with a persistent knee problem as Australia's home T20 World Cup campaign approaches in October.

"It's been better, it's been worse as well," the 35-year-old opener said.

"It's OK. I'll get through for a little while longer."

Australian Associated Press