Melbourne, Nov.17 (ANI): Australia have drafted in former batsman Justin Langer as assistant coach of their Test team.

Langer will work under coach Tim Nielsen and be a batting coach and mentor.

“I have been passionate about Australian cricket for many years. I am excited about playing a ‘hands on’ role in the continued development of the Test team,” Langer, 38, said.

Langer averaged 45.27 in 105 Test matches for Australia, retiring from Test cricket in January 2007, and he ended a four-season stint with Somerset at the end of the 2009 campaign.

He added: “Having just retired as a player, I can think of no better apprenticeship in coaching than to work with captain Ricky Ponting and Tim and the Australian cricket team.”

Langer will work with the Australia team for the majority of the forthcoming Test series against West Indies and Pakistan.

Cricket Australia’s general manager Michael Brown said: “Justin Langer will join the Australian Test squad and provide specialist skills in assisting the batters prepare for Test match cricket. He’ll also develop plans to assist players cope with the rigours of the Test match game. We are thrilled to have a player of Justin’s experience working with the Test team.”

“Justin was renowned for his professional approach to preparation and his commitment to play for his country and he will help many young players as our team continues to develop,” he added. (ANI)