Langer in best form since the Ashes

Justin Langer will head to South Africa on Friday for the three-Test series confident he is in his best form since the 2005 Ashes tour. "I am very happy," he told AAP. "It has been a disjointed season through injuries and illness. But against New South Wales last week I felt like I was getting some rhythm back, and this game [against South Australia] was frankly as good as I have batted since the Ashes."

During Australia's failed campaign in England last year, Langer was his country's leading run-scorer with 394 at 43.77. He said his stint on the domestic circuit, which came after his series against West Indies and South Africa were interrupted by injury, had done him a lot of good.

Langer has captained Western Australia, who will be guided by Marcus North as they push for a place in the Pura Cup final this week, and he finished his duties with 82 against South Australia and 61 against New South Wales. "I felt good, my balance is good and that for me is a huge confidence booster going to South Africa," he said. "You can see my positions are good, I'm hitting the ball well and most importantly my concentration - I feel clear in my mind. So it is all good."