Here's how Don Bradman helped Langer to tackle medium pacers in Tests

Australian coach Justin Langer has revealed the advice he received from Sir Donald Bradman in order to tackle medium pacers in the longest format of the game

File photo: Justin Langer
File photo: Justin Langer
ANI Cricket
2 min read Last Updated : Nov 18 2020 | 4:38 PM IST

Don't want to miss the best from Business Standard?

Australian coach Justin Langer has revealed the advice he received from Sir Donald Bradman in order to tackle medium pacers in the longest format of the game.

It was in August 1994, when the then 23-year-old Langer had reached out to Bradman to become a successful Test cricketer.

In his letter to Bradman, as cricket.com.au reported, Langer had started off by writing: "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 prior to the tour of Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The left-handed batsman had asked for the Australian great's advice on how to tackle the medium pacers.

In his letter, Langer had also cited how he had difficulty in facing medium pacers as compared to spinners and genuine pacers.

"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 while replying to Langer.

Langer had gone on to play 105 Tests for Australia and he is regarded as one of the best opening batsmen to ever play the game.

The left-handed batsman had retired from international cricket in 2007 as Australia whitewashed England in the five-match Ashes series.

Langer ended his career with 7,696 runs in the longest format of the game with 23 centuries and 30 half-centuries. He is currently the coach of the Australian senior cricket team.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

Topics :Don BradmanAustralia cricket teamIndia vs Australiaindia tour of australia

First Published: Nov 18 2020 | 4:33 PM IST

Next Story