Langer eager for Twenty20 chance

Justin Langer is looking forward to his time at Taunton © Getty Images

Justin Langer is eager for his first taste of Twenty20 action after joining up with Somerset for a six-week stint. He is standing in for Dan Cullen, the offspinner, who is heading back to Australia for the Top End series in Darwin and Cairns.

Langer, 35, has not played any cricket since the end of Australia's tour of South Africa in early April following a blow to the head from Makhaya Ntini during the final Test at the Wanderers. He pulled out of the Bangladesh tour following medical advice.

"I've never played any Twenty20 cricket so it's going to be nice to play with some freedom," he told BBC Bristol. "I watched the Australia-South Africa game last year and I can understand why people really enjoy it."

Langer spent three seasons with Middlesex from 1998 to 2000 and is credited with playing a significant role in the development of Andrew Strauss. He begins his latest county stay with Somerset's C&G clash against Ireland, in Belfast, on Sunday and his first Twenty20 match follows two days later against Gloucestershire.

Langer is following in the footsteps of Ricky Ponting who spent a period at Somerset two ago. "Ricky is one of my closest friends and that was one of the carrots for coming here because I know how much he enjoyed it," added Langer. "To follow in his footsteps here is a real thrill for me."