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| May 27, 2003 | Tuesday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 24,1424 |
Aussies will not relish change: Langer
MELBOURNE, May 26: Australia could find it difficult to retain their dominance in world cricket when the current squad retires, according to Test star Justin Langer.
The batsman told BBC Sport website Australia will find it hard to replace likes of Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Adam Gilchrist.
The majority of Australia’s squad is over 30 but because of their continuing phenomenal success, selectors have resisted making wholesale changes.
In the next two or three years though it is inevitable changes will occur and Australia will have to blood young players.
Langer said: “Cricket is a cyclical thing and Australia are in a great phase at the moment.
“Of course we are worried when the greats have to retire. What we are trying to do at the moment is to set a standard, which is obviously always going to be hard to maintain.
“But that’s the ultimate ambition. To set a culture so that young guys coming in maintain the level of expectation.
World Cup champions Australia have set the world record for the most consecutive Test wins and recently went 21 games unbeaten in one-day internationals - another record.
He said:”Obviously it’s not necessarily going to be all rosy like it is at the moment.
“But from the senior players’ point of view, it is not only important to win now but to develop and encourage the younger players that do come through. The important thing is in the culture which is so strong.”
Langer, 32, wants to keep playing cricket at the top level until his body can no longer take it.
“I think older players can handle pressure and concentration more than younger players. But it takes more of a toll on the body. As long as my body holds up and I am enjoying playing, I will carry on.”
Langer was in great form in Australia’s 3-1 Test series win in the Caribbean, scoring 483 runs, including two centuries. He returned home as he was not selected for one-day internationals against West Indies.
He said: “I am disappointed because I would love to be in one-day side. It is hard to take and I never like leaving the team but I do respect there are a lot of good players in Australian team.” —PPI
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