Australia hire Langer as batting coach

There will be an old familiar face around Australia's changing squad this summer with Justin Langer set to take on a coaching role with the Test squad. Cricket Australia has confirmed Langer will help Tim Nielsen's coaching team as a batting coach and in a mentoring capacity during the Test portion of the season.

It is the first step into coaching for Langer, who stood down from international cricket after the 2006-07 Ashes and retired from first-class cricket this year after three seasons as Somerset's captain. Cricket Australia's general manager of cricket Michael Brown said Langer, a veteran of 105 Tests, would be a valuable addition to the staff.

"Justin Langer will join the Australian Test squad and provide specialist skills in assisting the batters prepare for Test match cricket," Brown said. "He'll also develop plans to assist players cope with the rigours of the Test match game.

"We are thrilled to have a player of Justin's experience working with the Test team. Justin was renowned for his professional approach to preparation and his commitment to play for his country. He will help many young players as our team continues to develop."

The Test squad has taken on a vastly different look since Langer's retirement with Matthew Hayden, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Stuart MacGill and Andrew Symonds all having moved on. So much has altered that 14 men have made their Test debuts for Australia since Langer departed and he is looking forward to taking a leadership role within the group.

"When CA approached me about this appointment, I felt privileged to be considered," Langer said. "I have been passionate about Australian cricket for many years so I am excited about playing a 'hands-on' role in the continued development of the Test team, particularly in the batting and leadership departments."