Cricket: Langer breaks Bradman's runs record

Justin Langer has broken Don Bradman's long-standing record for the most first class runs by an Australian cricketer.

The prolific left hander moved beyond Bradman's mark of 28,067 runs playing for Somerset against Worcestershire at New Road in an English county match at Worcester on Thursday.

"I am very proud," Langer said.

"Bradman is obviously in a league of his own but to achieve this, given how many great players are on the list, is very special.

"It means I have been around a long while but as (former Australian coach) John Buchanan always said, you only judge champions on longevity and not on flash in the pan brilliance." The 38-year-old needed to score 95 runs in the rain-affected clash and reached the milestone by hitting a boundary through the off side from the bowling of Matt Mason.

An emotional Matthew Hayden paid tribute to his long-time former test opening partner.

"It is very fitting that a man of Justin's calibre takes this honour because when you break a record of one of the greatest individuals, that being Sir Donald Bradman, it has to be by a person of quality," Hayden said.

Soon after breaking Bradman's 72-year grip on the record, Langer reached his 86th first class ton before falling for 107.

Langer reinvigorated his test career in England during the 2001 Ashes campaign when he came in for the last test of the series and quickly formed a formidable opening combination with Hayden.

The West Australian started his first class career back in 1991-92 and has continued playing at first class level since he ended his 105-test career at the end of Australia's 5-0 whitewash of England in January 2007.

He played the 2007-08 season for WA before retiring from the domestic scene and has maintained a regular gig at Somerset.

Langer compiled his first class runs playing for Australia, Western Australia, Middlesex and Somerset and has played 120 more first class games than Bradman.

 

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