Worcestershire target Langer

Worcestershire are targeting Justin Langer as one of their overseas players for next season, but have admitted that Glenn McGrath is unlikely to return to New Road. Worcestershire are keen to sign an Australian batsman and an opening bowler after receive excellent returns from McGrath, Tom Moody and Andy Bichel.

Mark Newton, the chief executive, has revealed that talks have already been held with Langer, who rose above the mediocrity of the Australia batting during the Ashes and finished as their leading run scorer with 394 at 43.77. Langer previously spent three seasons at Middlesex, from 1998 to 2000, where he is credited with developing Andrew Strauss's game.

"Although England have won the Ashes this season and Australia are not as strong as they were, Australian cricketers do have qualities that we value highly." Newton said. "We've spoken with Justin Langer and, although there's no decision yet, we hope to sort something out in the very near future. There has also been speculation about Glenn McGrath coming back. At the moment that appears very unlikely.

"But, in that knowledge, you start talking to other people and I can confirm the other people we are talking to are Australian cricketers."

The Australians have a fairly empty international schedule during the 2006 English season, with currently only their tour of Bangladesh overlapping the beginning of the domestic season. "The Australian schedule next summer fits in well. There will inevitably be some international calls but only for a week or two and we can work with that.

"That is good because we've realised that what we need most is some stability. Australians are generally strong characters and we want what they can give to the dressing room."

This season Worcestershire have used four overseas players - Chris Gayle, Zander de Bruyn, Chaminda Vaas and Shoaib Akhtar - with mixed results and only occasional match winning displays. They failed to win promotion in the Championship and were relegated in the National League.