Justin Langer was brutal in his assessment of Australia in T20Is – “This time twelve months ago, we were the worst team in the world” – but stressed how quickly and efficiently the team had turned things around, with the team set to end 2019 unbeaten in the format.

“The more we can keep these guys together, the better,” Langer told reporters after Australia’s latest win, a 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in Perth.

It has been an outstanding summer of T20I cricket for Australia!

How big an impact do you reckon these two had?https://t.co/MedeDQOmDq

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 8, 2019

“The schedule this year allows us to do it as well. In the past, it’s been very difficult to manage players through playing all forms of the game. We understand the value of focusing on something, whether it’s short-term or long-term, and we’ll continue to do that.”

Last year, Australia were a struggling T20I outfit, losing series to Pakistan, South Africa and England. They won just three of their last 10 completed T20Is in 2018.

What a performance from Australia!

They beat Pakistan by 10 wickets to seal a 2-0 series victory ?#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/wljtRg9F2N

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 8, 2019

Yet, fortunes were soon reversed, with Langer’s side going on an eight-match unbeaten run this year that has seen them crush India, Sri Lanka and now Pakistan, the No.1-ranked T20I side in the world.

Their rollicking form bodes well for Australia in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup 2020 at home. They are five-time champions in ODI World Cups, but Australia are yet to bag a T20 World Cup title.

“We’ve just got to make sure the boys play their roles really well. The more we can keep these guys together, the better,” Langer continued.

“Twelve months is a long way away. This time twelve months ago, we were the worst team in the world.

“But it’s really good we’re playing good cricket. We’ve learned a lot about planning and preparation. We’ve learned the value of that through the World Cup 50-over competition.”