Somerset confirm Langer deal

Despite ending his Australian career Langer will line up at Taunton in 2007 © Getty Images

Somerset have confirmed that Justin Langer, who is retiring from Test cricket after the final Ashes Test at Sydney, will be their captain for the 2007 season. In a brief period at Taunton last summer Langer scored a career-best 342 against Surrey and amassed more than 400 runs in the Twenty20.

The Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose told the Press Association: "I was delighted to agree a provisional contract with Justin at the end of his highly successful five-week spell with the club in 2006, which he has now confirmed.

"We are absolutely delighted that Justin is coming back to join us as captain for the whole season, initially on a one-year contract with a provision that he may come back again for a further year in 2008.''

Somerset have endured a barren period despite having the short-term assistance of players such as Ricky Ponting, Graeme Smith, Sanath Jayasuriya and Langer. The Twenty20 title in 2005 is their only recent silverware.

"Over the last four seasons, Somerset have lacked consistent leadership - and this is what we expect Justin to bring, especially after his vast experience in Test match cricket and as captain of Western Australia,'' Rose added. "His presence and influence on the side will boost our experienced players as well as helping us develop the younger players we have on the staff.''

During his press conference at the SCG, Langer said: "I can't imagine not playing for the next couple of seasons. There's an amazing challenge at Somerset. They're at the bottom of everything, and I've got a great regard for the coach over there and I'm looking forward to that challenge.