Justin Langer Says England Caused “Heartbroken Kids” After Perth Test Ends Early

Justin Langer criticised England for their poor showing in the two-day Perth Test, saying their collapse spoiled the experience for fans, especially children, and hurt the spirit of Test cricket.

Former Australia head coach Justin Langer launched a strong criticism of England after the Perth Ashes Test ended inside two days. He accused the visitors of failing to respect the pitch, their opponents, and the demands of five-day cricket.

Langer said England’s collapse, despite holding a 30-run lead at the start of their second innings, spoiled the occasion for fans and young spectators who had planned for later days of the match. He argued that the early finish led to disappointed children and wasted preparations for the remaining three days.

“For the England cricket team, this is a disaster. Having been in front for a lot of the game, their lack of respect for the conditions, their opponent and the game of five-day cricket has cost them in this instance. Missed opportunities tend to keep you awake at night. In the bigger picture, it is not only England that bear the cost of a two-day Test match. What about the kid who misses the opportunity to watch their first day of Test cricket at Optus Stadium?” he wrote in the West Australian.

“In the last 24 hours I have heard three stories of heartbroken kids, robbed of the dream of seeing their heroes live. The health of the game is inherently linked with kids falling in love with it. Without that, the game is unsustainable. Two-day Tests are three days of missed opportunities for those kids to fall in love with the game. Friends of mine are in that category. We have been talking about day three of the Perth Test for six months. They are shattered,” he added.

Justin Langer also noted that the early finish deprived nearly 2,000 casual stadium workers of their Sunday wages. He said Optus Stadium, Cricket Australia, and broadcasters lost millions, with Day 3 alone expected to generate about $10 million in ticket and food revenue.

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“The 2,000 casual staff who miss out on working a shift on Sunday. Let’s not forget them… most will be disappointed and missing out on their much-needed wages Their employers at Optus Stadium bear the brunt as much as anyone. They, Cricket Australia and the broadcasters lose millions of dollars. Day three, a Sunday, will cost CA and the stadium around $10 million [about £5 million] in ticket and food and beverage sales. That’s a lot of money that goes back into grassroots cricket. The hundreds and thousands of dollars’ worth of wasted food prepared to service the 50,000 patrons is a travesty,” Langer concluded.

In the match, England were bowled out cheaply after another aggressive batting, allowing Australia to chase 205 in under 29 overs with Travis Head leading the charge.