Langer v Strauss

© Getty Images

Both Justin Langer and Andrew Strauss are compact left-handed opening batsman, and this summer both carry the top-order hopes of their respective countries in the most eagerly awaited Ashes contest in recent times. Langer, the old pro, is embarking on his fourth Ashes Series, and with an average of 56.62 against England he is a key man for Australia. Strauss on the other hand is playing in his first Ashes series having made his England debut a little more than a year ago. But he started with a hundred in his first appearance, and has quickly made his mark as a high-quality opener.

Their similar techniques and attitudes towards cricket owe much to Langer's three years with Middlesex between 1998 and 2000 - during Strauss' formative years, he acted as a mentor and helped him develop as a player.

Strauss's success has been instrumental in England's incredible success over the past 18 months, and even though he started the season in moderate form, he will be aiming to get one over on his mentor.