Performance of the Day - Justin Langer

It has always been hard for English cricket followers to warm to Justin Langer who is second only to Ricky Ponting in his ability to rub us up the wrong way. Apart from the obvious reason that he has been on the winning side so frequently, there was always something in the walk, the black belt, the sledging, that jarred on the English sensibility - as, no doubt, was intended.

Age is mellowing the pugnacious Aussie, as both the heartfelt celebrations in the famous Sydney triple retirement (right) and his recent railing against sledging shows, but his batting and competitive instinct are as strong as ever. In this hideous season, other rain-affected captains sitting on top of their division may be happy to maximise bonus points, but Langer concocted a deal with (surprise surprise) fellow Aussie Simon Katich to set Derbyshire a target. Two declarations later, Langer had set Derbyshire a highly gettable 331 in one over and today's play. That's the kind of positive attitude that puts real belief in his Somerset bowlers and wins PotDs from the Trumpet.

[The Tooting Trumpet] [Image: Getty]