Langer never thought of quitting

Published April 7, 2006

PERTH, April 6: Australian Test opener Justin Langer has no thoughts of retiring on medical grounds after being badly concussed while batting in South Africa.

The left-hander was struck in the head by a bouncer from South African fast bowler Makhaya Ntini from the first ball he faced in the final Test, his 100th, in Johannesburg.

“There are definitely no worries about the future, not at all,” Langer told reporters on his return home on Thursday.

“This was a freak incident, and that was the thing about batting in the second innings - the only danger was getting re-concussed in that short period of time.”

Australia won the third Test by two wickets to complete a series clean sweep. Langer was prepared to bat if needed as Australia chased victory although captain Ricky Ponting said he would have stopped him facing a ball.

“(I) still feel like I have got a massive hangover...I have not felt that well since I got the blow,” Langer said.

“Having said that, the last day of the Test match was one of the great days of my Test career, so that softened the blow a bit. But physically I am struggling.”

Langer was ordered to miss Australia's tour of Bangladesh. He said he was disappointed but accepted Cricket Australia's decision and was now setting his sights on this year's Ashes series at home to England.

“At the time I was bitterly disappointed at the decision, but looking at it now I respect where they are coming from,” Langer said.

“I have read a report from the neurosurgeon and he recommended there was no way I would be available to play the first Test.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...