Langer says 'crucial' for Oz bowling attack to stay 'healthy' to regain No.1 Test 'mantle'

Former Australian cricketer Justin Langer, who is the coach of domestic side Western Australia (WA), has said that it is crucial for the Ashes winners' bowling attack to stay healthy if they want to regain their No.1 Test mantle.

Australia rose to third in the Test rankings following their 5-0 whitewash of England in Ashes, with rejuvenated left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson winning the man-of-the-series award for his 37 wickets, while Ryan Harris (22 wickets), Peter Siddle (16) and spinner Nathan Lyon (19) were also crucial in the demolition.

According to News.com.au, with doubts over the fitness of Harris, who is nursing a degenerative knee injury, Australia's quest for No.1 will be given a stern challenge when they travel to South Africa next month and Langer said that it is necessary to keep the bowlers 'on the park' for a chance of beating the world's top Test team.

Stating that a team does not become No.1 by just winning one great series, Langer also said that it is necessary to keep Harris, Siddle and Johnson 'fit' and combine them with Lyon's progress if Australia wants to be the No.1 Test team in the world again.

However, Langer, who retired after Australia's 5-0 series win over England back in 2006/07, added that the confidence Australia gained from their series win over England would hold them in good stead for more success in the future.

Langer averaged 45.27 during his 105-Test career, the report added.