Langer out of second Test

Justin Langer has been ruled out of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, after suffering from a hamstring injury during the on-going first Test at Perth. His chances of returning by the time for the final Test at Sydney seem bleak as well.

Langer pulled up his left hamstring, while batting, just before lunch on Sunday, and needed a runner. He looked uncomfortable for the little time he lasted after the break. He went to a hospital immediately after his dismissal to get a few scans done.

Team physio Errol Alcott said, “The scans revealed a strain which will require intensive physiotherapy. He’s a healthy athlete and his recovery powers have always been pretty good. He’s got a definitive strain so it’s running the gauntlet a bit if he’s going to be right for Sydney but we’re going to give it a whirl.”

New South Wales opener Phil Jacques seems is tipped to take over, after being in fabulous form in the season so far, although alternatively Mike Hussey could be asked to open, to make place for Michael Clarke in the middle, who had been dropped earlier. The team for the Boxing Day Test will be named later today, following the conclusion of the first Test.