Scans clear Langer of serious injury

Justin Langer leaves the field after being hit by Makhaya Ntini © Getty Images

Justin Langer has undergone scans in hospital after being struck on the head by Makhaya Ntini and suffering concussion during his 100th Test, but has been cleared of serious injury. He was hit with the first ball of Australia's innings on the second day, at Johannesburg, and was helped from the field appearing unsteady.

Langer received two stitches to a cut behind his right ear when he returned to the dressing and was then taken to hospital. With a history of blows to the head it was no surprise that the cautious route was taken but the scans showed no major damage.

Philip Pope, Cricket Australia's media manager, said Langer's participation in the rest of the Test will be decided overnight and there is no decision as to whether he will bat again on the second day if required.

He was hit on his Test debut, against West Indies at Adelaide, and also at The Oval in 2001, shortly after reaching a century in one of his comeback games. Langer's season has been blighted by injuries and he missed three Tests during the Australian summer. A cracked rib kept him out of the first two matches against West Indies before a hamstring strain ruled him out of the Boxing Day Test.