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Australia's leading run-scorer in first-class cricket, Justin Langer, is to support the Australian Test coaching staff this summer, Cricket Australia has announced.
The former Western Australia, Middlesex, Somerset and Rajasthan Royals left-hand batsman will assist head coach Tim Nielsen as a batting coach and as a mentor to the team's players.
“Justin Langer will join the Australian Test squad and provide specialist skills in assisting the batters prepare for Test match cricket. He’ll also develop plans to assist players cope with the rigours of the Test match game," CA general manager Michael Brown commented.
“We are thrilled to have a player of Justin’s experience working with the Test team. Justin was renowned for his professional approach to preparation and his commitment to play for his country. He will help many young players as our team continues to develop."
Langer said: "When CA approached me about this appointment, I felt privileged to be considered. I have been passionate about Australian cricket for many years so I am excited about playing a ‘hands on’ role in the continued development of the Test team, particularly in the batting and leadership departments.
“Having just retired as a player I can think of no better apprenticeship in coaching than to work with Ricky (Ponting) and Tim and the Australian Cricket Team," he said..
Langer played 105 Tests, scoring 7696 runs and he became Australia's leading first-class run-scorer in his final season playing for Somerset, finishing on a mark of 28,382 with an average of 50.23 and 86 centuries.
Australia take on the West Indies in three Tests and Pakistan in three Tests at home this summer while they also play two Tests in New Zealand.
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