Hayden lauds former mate Langer for breaking the Don’s first class record

SOMERSET - Former Australian opener Mathew Hayden has lauded former mate and opening partner Justin Langer for overtaking the legendary Sir Donald Bradman as his country’s most prolific scorer in first class cricket.

Giving an instant tribute to Langer, an emotional Hayden, who is on a business trip to India, was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald, as saying that Langer was a worthy successor to Bradman because he cherished the game’s traditions and had qualities that made him one of Australia’s most successful opening batsmen.

“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 man of quality,” Hayden said last night.

“He epitomises class, perseverance and persistence and the quality and culture of the baggy green, and his work ethic is second to none. I’m very, very proud of Justin because these results are not a fluke. It’s about all those qualities that include determination, perseverance, leadership, integrity and honesty. These qualities were the glue to our partnership,” Hayden added.

Langer eclipsed Bradman’s mark of 28,067 runs with a cover drive for Somerset against Worcestershire at Grace Road on Thursday, breaking one of the game’s most prestigious records, which had stood for 71 years.

The only difference was that while Bradman achieved his landmark in 338 innings, 38-year-old Langer, who scored 107 in that particular innings of the match against Worcestshire, achieved his record in his 615th innings at the batting crease.

Hayden said he intended to make a call to congratulate Langer on his Bradmanesque achievement.

Bradman played 234 first-class matches during his great career, and retired with a Test average of 99.94, and 95.14 in all first-class cricket. Langer, who turns 39 in November, averaged 50.22 before leading into the historic Worcestershire game. (ANI)