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Craig HillIt's a matter of health over cricket
April 18th 2006 02:10
Justin Langer has been through it all as an opening batsman for Australia. Opening the batting is definitely not the easiest position to play. I can tell from experience, but nothing compares to what Justin Langer has copped and dished out in his career.
His grit and determination epitomises the hard-working fighter who never seems to give in and is definitely not afraid to put his body on the line just to stay in. Although every batsman in the Australian squad is expected to do so, Langer seems to live up that 'do or die' attitude by toughing out the mightiest of blows. This was evident when he attempted to play with a fractured rib, and his latest encounter with the red piece of leather came during his 100th test appearance, which saw him become heavily concussed, even to the extent where he could not even keep his feet.
Yet, Langer, known to his team mates as 'Alfie', padded up on the final day of the 3rd test in South Africa to make himself available to bat if necessary.
However, his many strings of direct contact with the many thunderbolts sent down upon him (if you were wondering 'how fast?' 140-150km/h) has caused many medical concerns, even to the point where doctors are fearing that another fatal blow may possibly cause permanent harm to Langer.
So now the gritty left-handed batsman has to make the decision - retire now and avoid any further risks, or take the risk and play on for his country he so proudly puts the Baggy green on for?
The answer is easy - it just depends whether or not health comes before cricket. But making the decision is the hardest thing - would you give up a career you love, that easily?
However, most interestingly, when asked about his cricketing ambitions, Langer replies 'to master the art of concentration'. Anyone who can wear the full impact of a cricket ball flying at 140-150km/h and continue to bat on without any sign of hinderance is a master of concentration.
Giving a little back
His grit and determination epitomises the hard-working fighter who never seems to give in and is definitely not afraid to put his body on the line just to stay in. Although every batsman in the Australian squad is expected to do so, Langer seems to live up that 'do or die' attitude by toughing out the mightiest of blows. This was evident when he attempted to play with a fractured rib, and his latest encounter with the red piece of leather came during his 100th test appearance, which saw him become heavily concussed, even to the extent where he could not even keep his feet.
Langer helped off the field after being hit in the helmet
However, his many strings of direct contact with the many thunderbolts sent down upon him (if you were wondering 'how fast?' 140-150km/h) has caused many medical concerns, even to the point where doctors are fearing that another fatal blow may possibly cause permanent harm to Langer.
Pork chop sandwiches? Who? I didn't steal no sandwiches...
So now the gritty left-handed batsman has to make the decision - retire now and avoid any further risks, or take the risk and play on for his country he so proudly puts the Baggy green on for?
The answer is easy - it just depends whether or not health comes before cricket. But making the decision is the hardest thing - would you give up a career you love, that easily?
However, most interestingly, when asked about his cricketing ambitions, Langer replies 'to master the art of concentration'. Anyone who can wear the full impact of a cricket ball flying at 140-150km/h and continue to bat on without any sign of hinderance is a master of concentration.
The Master of Concentration
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