Langer not to bat

2006-04-02 10:48

Johannesburg - Australian opening batsman Justin Langer will not bat in Australia's first innings in the third Test against South Africa on Sunday.

Langer was felled by Makhaya Ntini's first delivery when Australia opened their innings in reply to South Africa's first innings total of 303 all out.

He ducked into the ball, which hit him on the back of the head, and had to leave the field.

The Australian team physiotherapist, Alex Kountouri, said Langer had sustained 'significant concussion' and a cut to the back of his head, which required two stitches. He was taken to hospital for a scan, and was scheduled to see a specialist on Sunday morning.

"He's still very groggy," said the spokesman.

Kountouri told journalists after the day's play on Saturday that Langer would probably want to play, but that he had symptoms that indicated that he should not. "It's a safety issue," said Kountouri.

- SAPA