The lion-hearted cricketer

The lion-hearted cricketer
K V Vasudevan

Chennai, March 25: To bat at the No 3 position for Australia in cricket means a lot. This was the slot for the best players down the years.

Justin Langer has seized this place with a series of big scores in recent years. The small-made left-hander’s strength is in building up the innings rather than going full throttle. His 35 in the first innings of the recent Chepauk Test was all quality. An ambitious shot put an end to his stay.

Nephew of former West Australian batsman Robhie Langer, Justin came into the limelight with a classy 149 in the Sheffield Shield final a decade ago.

Interestingly, he has 40 centuries in first class cricket, for Western Australia and Middlesex. Justin rated his 20 and 54 in the debut Test against West Indies (Adelaide ’92-93) as memorable knocks. ‘‘Ambrose and Walsh worked up lively pace in ideal bowling conditions. It was important to stay put in the early phase.’’The 127 against Pakistan at Hobart last year was one of his better innings. ‘‘It was a rearguard action and the 238-run stand with Gilchrist helped Australia turn the tables (on Pakistan). Saqlain could extract a lot of turn from the wicket. A big knock against quality stuff.’’

Justin helped himself to a double ton against the demoralised Indians at Sydney last year. ‘‘In perfect conditions I let myself go,’’ he said recalling that innings.He did not have a good series in India. But he showed his attacking instinct in patches. Perishing in the slip has been a source of worry for him. ‘‘I should learn to keep it down,’’ he said. Seven hundreds and 12 fifties in his Test career of 42 Tests bear testimony to his abilities. His highest in one-dayers is 36 from eight matches.