Langer will continue with Somerset till 2009

Much to the delight of Somerset fans Justin Langer, the retired Australian opener, will stay on at the county for another season in 2009.

This will be Langer’s fourth season at the county which he led to promotion in both the County Championship and Pro40 League last year.

Langer seems equally excited about this proposition. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far. Last year was exceptional and this year we have continued to move forward by competing strongly in the top division of the Championship and reaching the quarter finals of the Friends Provident Trophy," he was quoted as saying to the Somerset official website.

He also expressed disappointment that the team did not meet with the same amount of success in the Twenty20 Cup but was keen to play a part in the development of the required areas.

However Langer will not be available for the start of the next county season owing to a deal to play in the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) 2009 for which he is signed with the Rajasthan Royals, champions of the 2008 inaugural tournament.

About this, the Australian veteran said, “I didn’t play IPL last year because it was very important to me to honour the commitment I had made to Somerset. Now it is equally important that I honour the contract I signed with Rajasthan Royals.

Director of Cricket Brian Rose also expressed his delight that Langer was staying on at the county and said that Somerset are looking forward to become a greater force in Twenty20 cricket over the next two years and that Langer’s influences will help the team achieve their set objectives.