Langer injury a 'high risk'

Justin Langer's back trouble is threatening to become a serious concern for state and country after he was ruled out of Western Australia's ING Cup match against South Australia at the WACA tomorrow. The bulging disc injury, which almost stopped him playing in the Boxing Day Test, flared again after a gym session last week and forced him to miss the Warriors' thrilling Pura Cup victory over Tasmania.

Western Australia lead the first-class competition and Langer, the captain, faces a busy playing schedule later this month before Australia's Test tour of New Zealand in March. Langer, who has trouble flexing and rotating, believes he will have enough time to recover before the crucial Pura Cup match against New South Wales on February 24 with a rehabilitation program involving pilates, water running and swimming.

David Edgar, the Western Australia physiotherapist, said playing Langer against South Australia would be "an unreasonably high risk". "Justin has received treatment twice a day since the reoccurrence and improved considerably, but he's still not 100% fit," he said. "Disc injuries have a high incidence of reoccurrence if not given adequate rest and rehabilitation."

Mike Hussey will again captain the side in the absence of Langer, who has been replaced by Shaun Marsh. Brett Dorey has failed to recover from a right calf strain and Darren Wates takes his place in the 12-man squad.

Western Australia Mike Hussey (capt), Beau Casson, Ben Edmondson, Murray Goodwin, Kade Harvey, Shaun Marsh, Marcus North, Chris Rogers, Luke Ronchi (wk), Adam Voges, Darren Wates and Brad Williams.

South Australia Graham Manou (capt, wk), Nathan Adcock, Greg Blewett, Daniel Cullen, Callum Ferguson, Daniel Harris, Ryan Harris, Mark Higgs, Trent Kelly, Paul Rofe, Shaun Tait, Shannon Tubb.