Langer v the short ball

[Craig]

Now obviously Justin Langer can play the short ball well - especially square of the wicket both side or otherwise he would not have been a success at The WACA for WA and for Australia but I have ask why does he get hit so much?

Does he not look at the ball or does the duck not something he knows how to do?

 

[Dasa]

It looks to me like he often takes his eye off the ball. Maybe he's not so good against the short ball on less bouncy tracks? I'm sure playing at the WACA for a large part of his career has gotten him used to playing on a quick bouncy wicket, perhaps he's being hit so much now because he's playing for bounce that isn't there?

 

[greg]

variable bounce

 

[social]

variable bounce

That and he doesnt seem to pick Harmy up all the time.

For me , it's similar to Steve Waugh - sometimes looks ordinary but doesnt get out to it very often and scores heaps of runs off it.

 

[andyc]

Sometimes it looks like he lets himself get hit, maybe because you probably won't get out, which you could do if you played at it. Seriously

 

[Jono]

I reckon he likes it. It'd explain his smile after he sees a huge bruise on his elbow.

 

[Craig]

I reckon he likes it. It'd explain his smile after he sees a huge bruise on his elbow.

Then he is one odd fellow

 

[Paid The Umpire]

He is a champion, to be honest, i think he just doesn't really care if he gets hurt so he'll "let" himself get hit.

 

[Paid The Umpire]

From Langer himself

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/england/4184834.stm

 

[King_Ponting]

All that martial arts stuff, he likes being hit and is used to it

 

[luckyeddie]

Sometimes it looks like he lets himself get hit, maybe because you probably won't get out, which you could do if you played at it. Seriously

That was the Boycott way - 'wear one for the team'.

I've made no secret of my admiration for the sheer guts shown by Justin Langer in his career, and this summer in particular, but he really is getting hit too often for his own good.