Justin Langer was today lauded by his peers after claiming the legendary Donald Bradman's long-standing record as Australia's greatest run-scorer in first-class cricket.
Justin Langer was today lauded by his peers after claiming the legendary Donald Bradman's long-standing record as Australia's greatest run-scorer in first-class cricket.
The 38-year-old former Test opening batsman passed the previous record of 28,067 runs, held for six decades by 'The Don,' while batting for Somerset against Worcestershire in the English County Championship yesterday.
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Langer made 107 for his 86th first-class century and 100th hundred in all competitions and has now amassed 28,080 first-class runs.
Tom Moody, former Test allrounder and coach of Langer's Western Australian state side, said the indomitable left-hander was a wonderful role model to all cricketers.
"I have had the good fortune to have played alongside Justin in many successful Western Australian teams over the years, and worked with him recently as his coach," Moody said.
"Throughout that time Justin has never offered anything but high standards and has been a wonderful role model, not only to cricketers but all sportsmen and professional individuals as well.
"I extend my personal congratulations to him for passing such a significant landmark in Australian cricket."
Western Australian Cricket Association chief executive and former Test opening batsman Graeme Wood said: "It is testimony to Justin's professionalism that he has been able to achieve this record.
"His outstanding preparation for every match that he played is a major factor behind his longevity at the top level and a great lesson for all aspiring cricketers."
Langer took 354 first-class games to eclipse Bradman's record at an average of 50.32.
By comparison the great Don Bradman accumulated his 28,067 runs from 234 first-class matches at a stunning average of 95.14 with 117 centuries as well as averaging 99.94 in his 52 Tests.
"I'm thrilled to beat the record," Langer said.
"Not so much to go past him because Bradman is in a league of his own. But just scoring this many runs is a tribute to having played for such a long time and having worked so hard to score lots of runs."
Langer scored 7,696 runs in 105 Tests for his country at an average of 45.27 up until his retirement after the fifth Ashes Test against England in Sydney in January, 2007.
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