Justin Langer, the former opening batsman, has been named Australia's new head coach for a four-year term, and will formally take charge from 22 May.

He will replace Darren Lehmann, who had stepped down as head coach in the aftermath of the ball-tampering controversy in South Africa in March this year.

Langer’s term will see him helming the team in two Ashes series, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and the ICC World T20 2020.

“We are thrilled to appoint Justin as the head coach of the Australian men’s cricket team," said James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia CEO, in a statement. “Whilst Darren Lehmann was not due to complete his term until next year, we have had a succession plan in place for this role for some time.

“In addition to professional development opportunities, this plan has included several coaches stepping into the head role to relieve Darren at times, and to also provide support roles, including Justin, and forms part of our long running succession planning process.”

Langer has held roles in a coaching capacity with Australia before – he was the assistant coach for three years from November 2009, and was the interim head coach for a one-day international tri-series in the Caribbean in 2016 and a T20 International series against Sri Lanka in 2017.

Sutherland said Langer was the standout candidate for the role. “The plan has allowed us to consider several worthy candidates, but Justin was the clear standout, particularly based on his recent coaching and player development achievements,” said Sutherland.

“We firmly believe Justin is the right person to lead this team and have huge confidence in what he will bring to the role."

Langer, 47, played 105 Tests for Australia and scored 7696 runs at 45.27 with 23 centuries. He retired in 2007, and has since made his mark as coach with Western Australia and Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, leading the latter to three titles.

"It is humbling to be appointed as coach of the Australian men’s cricket team,” said Langer. “I would like to thank the Western Australian Cricket Association and the Perth Scorchers for their support over the past six seasons, and for giving me the opportunity to lead and work with two great teams and many exceptional people.

“There will be some significant challenges ahead for our group, but there is a wealth of talent in Australian cricket that I know will do us all proud. I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with all players, as we strive for a successful men’s team across all formats, with the support and respect of the Australian public.”

Langer's first assignment will be the limited-overs tour of England in June.