Langer expected to join Somerset

Australia Test opener Justin Langer is expected join Somerset later this year on a short-term contract. Langer will replace countryman Dan Cullen, who will be on tour with Australia ‘A’ at the time.

Langer has not played competitive cricket since April, when he was struck on the head by an Ntini bouncer in his 100th Test match.

The 6-week stint will take place before the Ashes later this year, as Australia look to reclaim the honour from England. The contract will not be confirmed until it is cleared by Michael Brown, the general manager of cricket operations for Cricket Australia.

Langer has previous experience of county cricket, playing for Middlesex between 1998 and 2000.