Langer will replace outgoing coach Darren Lehmann, who eventually retired in the wake of the Australian cricket team's damning ball-tampering scandal. 

Langer faces an uphill battle to restore confidence in a side missing its two mercurial talents, with captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner both serving 12-month suspensions for the incident against South Africa.

Another talented young batsman, Cameron Bancroft, is also serving a nine-month suspension. Langer comes into the role having coached two Big Bash League sides since 2012.

The former batsman will take the reigns on a four-year deal, taking him through the next Ashes series to be hosted in England, as well as the 2019 Cricket World Cup. 

Cricket Australia CEO, David Sutherland, said Langer was the right man for the job.

"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," Sutherland said in a statement.

"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.

"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.

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