Sports : life magnified

Justin Langer took on World Flyweight Champion Vic Darchinyan in a two round exhibition bout. Langer is a a black belt in martial art Zen Du Kai and said:

Inside the boxing ring, it’s the same as when you’re playing Test cricket: nowhere to hide. You’ve got to face a lot of your own fears. If you punch someone properly, it’s like hitting the ball in the middle of the cricket bat – it’s a really nice feeling.

Darchinyan was impressed by Langer but declined an invitation to face Brett Lee in the nets. Hmm.

Langer missed a few tests versus South Africa due to a heart problem. He wanted to play despite the problem and was forced by doctors to take a rest. When you see Langer play, you notice one thing more than any thing else. He is not afraid to take on the bowlers. This despite his short structure. From a grafter he has developed into a batsman who will attack deliveries whenever he gets a chance to do the same. There is definitely lots of attitute and courage in Langer, some thing which makes him such a good test player.