Justin Langer reveals how Sir Don Bradman helped him overcome weakness against medium pacers

Langer had sought Bradman’s help to become a successful Test cricketer.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Nov, 2020

Australian coach Justin Langer has opened up on the advice he received from Sir Donald Bradman in a bid to combat medium pacers in Test cricket.

It was way back in August 1994 that the 23-year-old Langer had sought Bradman’s help to become a successful Test cricketer.

As per a report in cricket.com.au, Langer, in his letter to Bradman, wrote: "I feel a little bit shy about writing this letter, but I felt you may be able to offer me a little advice which may help me achieve my goal of becoming a very successful Test cricketer."

Langer had approached Bradman just a few days before the tour of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

"As well as giving me valuable technical advice, Sir Donald told me he always played to have fun because he loved cricket. His letter to me is a treasured memory on my study wall. I see it every day when I'm at home," cricket.com.au quoted Langer as saying.

In replying to Langer, Bradman in his letter started off by saying: "Thank you for your letter. You flatter me by suggesting that an old octogenarian like my can help you with your cricket".

"You mention specially the medium pacers and the slight problem you have with them. Against them, I always started to move just before the delivery by going slightly back and across. In fact, the main basis of my batting was back play because I think this gives the batsman greater flexibility in many shots and taking the initiative than the forward player who becomes stuck in a grove," Bradman said further.

Justin Langer represented Australia in 105 Tests, scoring 7,696 runs at an average of 45.27 with 23 centuries and 30 fifties.

By Salman Anjum - 18 Nov, 2020

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