Australian cricketer Justin Langer was born in Perth in 1970. As might be expected of someone who occupies the number three spot for Australia at Test level, Langer is a formidably gritty and determined batsman. A slightly built left hander whose talents have also seen him represent Western Australia and Middlesex, he is a prolific scorer at first-class level and he already has over forty centuries to his name. The nephew of former WA batsman Robbie Langer, he first rose to rominence on the back of his superb 149 in the Sheffield Shield Final of 1991/92 - a glorious innings which not only gave hint of his fine powers of concentration but also showcased his trademark defiance and his capacity to revel amid intense pressure. In the following season, his brave performance in Adelaide in weathering an inspired pace bowling assault from Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh in each innings of his debut Test to compile 20 and 54 only served to enhance his reputation.

While he took his time thereafter to establish a permanent place at international level, Langer has played a number of memorable innings on the world stage. Among these, his stand of 127 in the midst of a remarkable Test-winning partnership of 238 with Adam Gilchrist against Pakistan in Hobart in 1999/2000 almost certainly stands out the finest. Steve Waugh, Australia's captain has said "Justin Langer is the best batsman in the world."