Justin Langer considers how Australia handled the 2019 Headingley defeat. Following a masterful performance by Ben Stokes, England overcame Australia in the third Ashes Test of 2019 by one wicket.
Many memorable matches between Australia and England have taken place during the Ashes over the years. Few can match all-rounder Ben Stokes’ exploits at Headingley in 2019. As England aimed to chase down a target of 359 runs to win the third Test. Stokes play an inspirational knock of 135* to propel his side to a brilliant victory.
Stokes’ scintillating knock left Australia in despair
Their confidence in shambles, it was in the hands of then-coach Justin Langer to help them regain their confidence and make a comeback in the marquee series.
After England’s victory in the third Ashes 2019 Test. Langer has come up to admit that he had several restless nights thinking about the atmosphere in the camp following the Headingley defeat. He also thought back on the Australian team’s reaction to the defeat and concentrated on the series’ final two games.
“I distinctly recall a sleepless night, not unusual for a coach, following Ben Stokes’ heroics at Headingley in 2019. The following morning, much to the dismay of the majority of the players, we sat in the hotel boardroom and watched the entire Stokes and Leach alliance on tape.
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According to Justin Langer’s piece for The Telegraph, “You could cut the air with a knife.”
Langer also disclosed that his approach to dealing with the Headingley defeat was to confront the disappointment head-on because he understood that if team spirit stayed low, the Ashes could have been lost.
“I am aware that both form and success are habits. The best coaching week of my career was the one between Headingley and defending the Ashes at Old Trafford in 2019. Although it wasn’t well-liked—leadership is rarely—the lessons were priceless, according to Langer.
“To prepare for the fourth Test, it was decided at the last minute that the complete squad would travel together. Although things didn’t go quite as planned, everyone was on board because to our clear explanation of why we thought this was vital. The effort was worthwhile, he continued.
The choice appeared to be a success as Australia entered the fourth Test with confidence. Won the match by a huge margin of 185 runs, and got back into the series.
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