Langer ruled out of second Test

Justin Langer has not recovered fully from his broken rib © Getty Images

Justin Langer, the Australian opener, has been ruled out of the second Test against West Indies beginning at Hobart on November 17. Langer has not recovered sufficiently from a broken rib sustained after he was hit by Gerard Denton while batting for Western Australia against Victoria in an ING Cup match on October 29.

"It is disappointing to miss a Test match but I have to consider the best interests of the team and whilst I continue pushing so hard to be right, I am not allowing myself to heal," said Langer. "It is different from past injuries in that the bone is actually broken. I need to give it a break and allow it to mend so that I can be ready for the rest of the season."

Langer's unavailability will give Mike Hussey his second chance to make an impact as a Test batsman. Hussey scored 1 and 29 in the first Test at Brisbane. Langer's omission also leaves Australia a senior batsman short with Michael Clarke and Simon Katich struggling for runs in the middle-order. The team for the second Test will be named later this week. Brad Hodge could be drafted in, and Andrew Symonds remains a dark horse after a brilliant century against South Australia.

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