Departing Somerset captain Langer proud of his Test match record

Departing Somerset captain Justin Langer admits he finds it difficult to pick out the best innings of his career.

The Australian retired after 19 years in the professional game on Sunday, following the Sabres' Champions League exit.

Understandably, Langer's thoughts turn to the 105 Tests he played in when reflecting on his career for Australia, Western Australia, Middlesex, Rajastan Royals and Somerset.

"When I talk about the highlight of my career it is being involved in winning 16 straight Test matches - that was an extraordinary time," Langer told the Press/Post of the period between 1999 and 2001 when the Aussies whitewashed Pakistan, India, New Zealand and West Indies.

"In that time I had to play a few good innings - probably the best was against Pakistan at Hobart when it was almost impossible to win and we ended up winning after I had a great partnership with Adam Gilchrist. I was also under the pump for my spot in the team and that

started off a golden run for me.

"Maybe getting a hundred in the last Test of the Ashes series in 2001 against England at the Oval. It was almost a token gesture from the selectors to play me but people then remembered me as an opening batsman after that and I opened with Matty Hayden from then on and that was a

pivotal innings."

Gloucestershire CCC batsman Chris Dent impressed despite England Under-19s two-wicket defeat to their Bangladesh counterparts in the first Test in Chittagong.

In a low-scoring game the Thornbury man made 45 and 25 while Somerset's Calum Haggett made 14 and 18. Before the next Test, the team will be joined by Somerset batsman Jos Buttler, who had been with the Sabres for the Champions League.

Buttler said: "Making my debut against such a strong New South Wales side and in the amazing Champions League was an unforgettable experience.

"The time spent in India has been superb preparation for my trip to Bangladesh. I can't wait to be playing again."

Meanwhile, Somerset CCC have been drawn in Group A and Gloucestershire CCC in Group B of the new ECB 40 League, which replaces the Friends Provident Trophy and the Natwest Pro40.

The format will be three groups of seven teams with the sides playing each other home and away, mainly on Sundays.

Group winners and the best second-placed team will qualify for the semi-finals, with the final taking place at Lord's on Saturday, September 18.

Two of Somerset's games will be against an ECB recreational side - essentially an amateur minor counties team. They will fancy their chances against most of their opponents, although Lancashire and Sussex could prove tricky.

Gloucestershire will have a trip to the Netherlands and also a game at Lord's against Middlesex.

Group A: ECB Recreational XI, Glamorgan, Lancashire, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, Worcestershire

Group B: Derbyshire, Essex, Gloucestershire, Middlesex, Netherlands, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire

Group C: Durham, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Scotland, Warwickshire