Wade in the dark with Langer in hunt for Hurricanes role

Hobart Hurricanes captain Matthew Wade is in the dark on the prospect of Justin Langer taking over as the KFC BBL club's coach, despite their new strategy supremo Ricky Ponting indicating the ex-Test opener is a strong contender.

Ponting, one of the game's foremost T20 strategists who has joined the Hurricanes in a major boost to the club's pursuit of a maiden title, revealed this week he has been in discussions with Langer over the vacant head coach position.

Despite leading the national men's team to T20 World Cup and Ashes series victories last summer, Langer rejected a six-month contract extension to remain in his post amid player discontent with his "intense" style.

"That was the feedback JL got when he was with the Aussie team," Wade told reporters when asked about his former coach. 

"Whether or not that coaching style has changed or will change over the next period of time, the proof will be in the pudding.

"It's hard to comment on what might or might not happen or what coaching style Justin might bring to whatever team he ends up coaching next. I can't really dictate that too much."

Wade, who is in Kandy for the final match of Australia's T20 series against Sri Lanka, endorsed the appointment of Ponting, arguably Tasmania's finest sporting export.

Langer said he was "angry" and "deeply hurt by the media" during the saga over his coaching future earlier this year.

The 105-Test former batter is writing a memoir and has indicated he may seek a future away from cricket.

"I just wonder now whether it's time for a new chapter, and doing something else," said Langer, speaking in an interview with Western Australia governor Kim Beazley.

"I love the game of cricket, but I'm excited to see what opportunities come up next."

But Ponting, a close friend and confidant of Langer, said he "definitely wants to coach again".

The Hurricanes have made finals four of the past five seasons and twice been competition runners-up, but are one of two teams, along with the Melbourne Stars, to have never won the BBL title.

Adam Griffith stood down as coach following last season's BBL11 Eliminator knockout and Ponting has been forthright in suggesting the team needs a change of direction.

"Nothing is finalised with Justin yet," said Ponting, who added he would be open to former Test captain Tim Paine also having an off-field role with the team.

"But I'll stay on him (Langer), because I've got a pretty good understanding and feeling about what we need down here at the Hurricanes as far as that head coaching position is concerned.

"Listening to some of the feedback from players and other people around the set up the last couple of years, it sounds like things could have been a little bit better.

"Not so much the on-field playing stuff, but some of the other stuff that might happen around a dressing room and around a team.

"I know JL would do a great job if he was the one (appointed).

"But I've got a list … I've got pages and pages of names of guys that I think would do a great job. I haven't necessarily put them in order yet. I'll pick them off along the way over the next few weeks."