MELBOURNE, Oct 30: Opener Justin Langer will have to pass a fitness before being allowed to play in the first Test against West Indies starting in Brisbane on Thursday, Australia coach John Buchanan said.

Langer has declared himself available to play despite cracking a rib while batting for Western Australia in the interstate first-class competition but Buchanan said it was up to the medical staff.

“He’s a very tough little nut,” Buchanan told reporters on Sunday.

“I know that he desperately wants to play and we desperately want him to play.

“The selectors will take that all into account and have a decision tomorrow.”

Langer, who keeps fit through boxing and martial arts, said he wanted to play in the first Test despite some lingering pain.

“I’ve never had a broken rib before. I am certainly feeling it at the moment but I’m sure by Thursday it will be okay,” he said.

“Getting over injuries is a lot to do with your mental capacity as well. If I put any doubt in my mind then I’ve got no chance.”

Langer’s Western Australian team-mate and ODI player Mike Hussey is the most likely candidate to replace him.—Reuters