Langer to remain with Somerset till end of 2009

Justin Langer, the former Australia batsman, has extended his contract with Somerset. Langer, who captained the county to promotion in both the County Championship and the Pro40 last year, will return for the 2009 season, his fourth with Somerset.

"It's a great vote of confidence in the team and the club," Richard Gould, Somerset's chief executive, told BBC Radio Bristol. "It's going to give us the stability and the platform to maintain the good momentum we've had recently.

"The negotiations with Justin are never difficult because he's such a straightforward chap," Gould said. "There was always an indication he wanted to return."

However, Langer will miss the start of the 2009 season because of his commitments with the Indian Premier League. Langer is contracted to the Rajasthan Royals, the Jaipur-based team that won the league's inaugural edition. Langer, though, didn't take part this year but is expected to join the side next season.

"He signed a three-year deal with them," Gould said. "And, as part of that, he said he had to return to us for the start of this season. He was true to his word so I know he will want to be true to his word back to the IPL.

"I suspect he'll miss three to four weeks. We'll be missing him, but we'd rather have him for that period than not at all."