Langer hints retirement

[sid_19840]

Article From Cricket365.com

Australia opener Justin Langer has given a strong indication he will retire from international cricket after the upcoming Ashes series.

The 35-year-old has been contemplating his future since prematurely returning home from Australia's tour of South Africa last month after suffering concussion having been struck on the head by a Makhaya Ntini bouncer in the third Test - Langer's 100th.

"The last Ashes series really hurt," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"I would love to leave the game knowing we had regained the Ashes, and the next Ashes team would have it in their possession.

"I have always said that the day you decide to retire, do it - don't announce it ahead of time, because it will just lead to huge distractions.

"I can't say what the future holds beyond the Ashes. I would hate to say something now and it become a big distraction through something that is as big a deal as the Ashes."

 

[aussie1st]

Had to come, Langer just doesn't seem to be the same these days. That blow by Ntini really did change things. It's time for our next generation of players to come in, after the Ashes would be the perfect time to blood in Jaques before we blood in the other guys.

 

[nightprowler10]

Had to come, Langer just doesn't seem to be the same these days. That blow by Ntini really did change things. It's time for our next generation of players to come in, after the Ashes would be the perfect time to blood in Jaques before we blood in the other guys.

How do aussies feel about Hussey as an opener?

 

[aussie1st]

I wouldn't mind but he seems to have moulded pretty well into the number 5 spot. He can bat with the tail or bat normally. When you have Jaques waiting may as well leave Hussey where he is. Unless they want to bring in Cosgrove at 5.

 

[Left_Hander]

How do aussies feel about Hussey as an opener?

I prefer Hussey in the middle order. I like Langer, shame he is probably going to retire soon. :crying

 

[Gilchrist]

I prefer Hussey in the middle order. I like Langer, shame he is probably going to retire soon. :crying

Good. He is way past his best, ever since the Australian Summer, he struggeld for runs. Get Phil Jaques in there.

 

[James219]

Had to come, Langer just doesn't seem to be the same these days. That blow by Ntini really did change things. It's time for our next generation of players to come in, after the Ashes would be the perfect time to blood in Jaques before we blood in the other guys.

Yep, it's been looming over him the last year or so, and these days he just doesn't seem to be able to convert his starts into solid performances or build partnerships to the effect that he once did. Also, that's a good point about Ntini's blow- it revealed the weakness that he's been able to conceal during his time with Australia. His head is actually across his body too far so he's not properly alligned, and as a result, sorta falls across the crease before release, hence not being able to sight the ball early, and if bowler's are able to replicate Ntini more often, short pitched bowling angling across the body will pose a major threat...
They definitely need to blood Jaques soon while he's near the peak of his powers, as younger bats are also at the forefront.

I wouldn't mind but he seems to have moulded pretty well into the number 5 spot. He can bat with the tail or bat normally. When you have Jaques waiting may as well leave Hussey where he is. Unless they want to bring in Cosgrove at 5.

He's definitely adapted his game well to the number 5 spot, so that indicates he's versatile enough to bat, pretty much, anywhere in the order, and do so effectively with a variety of different players. But, agreed, Jaques is a dangerous opener and is on the fringe of selection, so Hussey is fine where he is. Cosgrove doesn't even have a contract, but post-Ashes, will definitely be up for a baggy green...

 

[Cricket_60]

Seems like he wants to play past next summer. This was in the paper this morning.

Langer rules out Ashes swan song

JOHN TOWNSEND


Justin Langer is hell-bent on winning back the Ashes and believes he could extend his Test career beyond next summer.

Refreshed by time away from cricket and inspired by a stint at his Mandurah holiday home with his family and opening partner Matthew Hayden, Langer has denied speculation that he intends to retire after the Ashes series.

The 35-year-old vigorously refuted a report in the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday that he planned to quit after next summer.

"I am not thinking about retiring and I have never said I am thinking about retiring after the Ashes," Langer said yesterday after completing a gruelling stair climbing session at Jacob's Ladder in Kings Park.

"What I have said for the past few years is that you reassess things after every Test series.

"The reality is that at the age of 35 this issue of retirement will keep coming up.

"Who is to say I will play the whole series anyway, because I have to keep training hard and playing well to stay in the team."

Rather, Langer thinks the lack of international cricket over the next two years might give him a golden opportunity to extend his Test career into its 16th year.

"There is not a lot of Test cricket in the next couple of years and that could be a huge motivator to keep playing," he said.

Australia are due to play only 13 Tests in the 20 months until January 2008. After the Ashes there is a short series against Zimbabwe, who are currently absent from Test ranks, then home series against Sri Lanka and India.

Langer said family and friends had urged him to consider retirement when he was forced to return home from South Africa after the third Test last month.

He had severe concussion following a savage blow to the head from opening bowler Makhaya Ntini.

But Langer said he realised after just four days at home that he was eager to continue playing and did not hold any fears for his health and well-being.

Although Langer is due to undergo standard psychomotor - or reflex - tests with WACA doctor Damien McCann later this month, there is no other medical assessment required before he starts playing again.

Article

 

[aussie1st]

Don't know why he wants to continue, the Ashes is the last thing he needs to win back. But just like Steve Waugh in his final years, Langer will have to perform to stay in the team. His age is at the stage where he needs to perform or retire.