Justin Langer ‘felt physically sick’ after Headingley defeat

Australia coach Justin Langer has said that the stunning defeat to England in the third Ashes Test last month was hard to digest and he didn’t know how to react. Chasing 359, Ben Stokes smashed an unbeaten century in a one-wicket win that helped England draw level at 1-1 in the ongoing Ashes 2019.

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While England dressing room celebrated, Australian’s were crestfallen.

“I actually felt physically sick after it and then I went back to my room. I wasn’t sure whether to cry my eyes out or smash my hotel room. Everyone in that change room, probably a lot of Australians felt it, felt completely sick,” Langer told reporters on Monday.

He added, “It’s just a game of cricket but when so much goes into it, it means a lot. You do take it personally. You never like to let opportunities slip … that’s OK, we’ll make sure we learn from it.”

Langer said it was a challenge to help his players move on from the disappointment and refocus their attention with two matches still remaining in the series.

“As challenging as it has been, it’s been awesome. I’ve loved this last week. Because you can sit back and feel sorry for yourself or put it under the carpet. Or you can work out ways to make sure we are up for the first ball of the next Test,” the former Australia opener said.

Steve Waugh has re-joined the Australia squad as mentor to help them recover from the Headingley disappointment. Waugh had been originally roped in as mentor for the first two Ashes games on the invitation of Langer but will now remain with the touring party for the remainder of the series.

The fourth Test starts from September 4 at Old Trafford.