Langer has not played cricket since his disastrous 100th Test match, which lasted precisely one ball, when he was felled and seriously concussed by a Makhaya Ntini bouncer. He has recovered though, and he will want some competitive cricket before the Ashes.
"I had some tests during the week and ... I passed with flying colours. I had my eyes checked last night, and I have got almost perfect vision, so there are no more excuses for me with my eyesight. Ironically I had the same (neurological) tests four years ago and the results were better on Monday than they were (then). I am not sure if that means I am getting smarter, or if the concussion was not as bad as we first thought."Given that Langer wants to finish his career with at least 100 First Class hundreds (he is currently on 71), he will need to play a bit of county cricket before he hangs up his boots. What better choice than Somerset, whose home wicket is the flattest in the country? Langer will feast on those second division attacks, too.
With the Ashes coming up, it will be useful to have a senior member like Langer to spy on young, fringe, English players. Somerset is also home to Marcus Trescothick, one of England's best batsmen. It will be an ideal time for Langer to get inside Trescothick's technique.
Of course, it is reciprocated, and England will have plenty of opportunities to dissect Langer's game with county footage. But Langer is in the twilight of his career, and as much as I loathe to say it, the Australia batting does not revolve around him and his batting won't be a deciding factor come Ashes 2006/07.
Nonetheless, Langer's involvement with Somerset is yet another reason for me to follow them. Go JL, turn around SCCC's season!
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