SYDNEY, Nov 8: Opening batsman Justin Langer will miss Australia’s second Test against the West Indies next week as he struggles to recover from a broken rib, Cricket Australia said on Tuesday.

Langer already missed Australia’s decisive 379-run victory over the West Indies in the first Test in Brisbane after suffering the rib injury while batting for Western Australia in a domestic first class match.

Cricket Australia said Langer was steadily improving but did not feel he was sufficiently recovered to play in the second Test beginning in Hobart on Nov 17.

“It is disappointing to miss a Test match but I have to consider the best interests of the team and whilst I continue pushing so hard to be right, I am not allowing myself to heal,” Langer said.

“It is different from past injuries in that the bone is actually broken,” he said. “I need to give it a break and allow it to mend so that I can be ready for the rest of the season.”

The team for the second Test will be named later this week. It will also be missing young all-rounder Shane Watson, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in a fielding mishap during the Brisbane Test and is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.

Watson, 24, underwent arthroscopic surgery on the injury Tuesday so doctors could assess the extent of the damage.—AFP