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Langer feels 'human again' after ODI break

3 minute read

After sitting out Australia's ODI tour to India, coach Justin Langer realised how important it is for players to rest from the rigours of international cricket.

JUSTIN LANGER.
JUSTIN LANGER. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Australian coach Justin Langer feels "like Superman" after resting from last month's three-game ODI tour to India.

Assistant coach Andrew McDonald took the reins for the 2-1 defeat as Langer opted for a well-earned break in Perth following a hectic 12 months that included the World Cup and the Ashes.

It allowed Langer to take a more relaxed look at his Australian team in action, as well as the BBL.

"I honestly feel human again," he said after Sunday's bushfire relief charity match.

"It's also nice because I got a chance to watch from afar, not just the three one-dayers, but I have taken reams of notes on the Big Bash as well.

"I've loved watching that without the pressure of being in the corner.

"But I feel like Superman again and now looking forward to getting back into it."

Langer said it made him realise how important it is for coaches and players to spend time away from the game.

"We want them all to play Big Bash cricket but gee it's going to be hard to find that balance," he said.

"I know now from first-hand experience how important it is to try and find some breaks, as much mentally as physically."

In Sunday's charity match at Melbourne's Junction Oval, Langer reunited with Matthew Hayden as the former Australian openers batted together for the first time since the 2007 SCG Test against England.

Langer said he was in awe during a pre-game nets session involving some of the best cricketers of the last 30 years.

"I kept looking around and it was like I was looking at all my heroes," he said.

"I used to wish Brian (Lara) would get a 100 and we would bowl them out for 120."

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