Langer doubtful for Boxing Day Test

Australia's preparations for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG have been dealt a blow with the news that Justin Langer - who made more runs (288) than the entire Pakistan team over two innings in Perth - might miss the game with a back injury. Simon Katich, the New South Wales captain, has been drafted into the squad as cover, and could open if Langer doesn't recover in time.

Langer suffered a lower-back injury during fielding drills conducted on Thursday, and Katich, who was distinctly unlucky to be dropped after a couple of outstanding knocks in India, may have to square up to Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami in his absence.

AAP quoted Trevor Hohns, Australia's selection panel chairman, as saying: "It is expected that if Justin can't play, then Simon will open the batting with Matthew Hayden. We're confident that he is that right man for the job.

"He is a versatile batsman and a quality player who can bat in a variety of positions. He has performed well for Australia in the past, and we feel he can continue to do so if given another opportunity."

Langer's partnership with Matthew Hayden has been one of the focal points of Australian cricketing greatness over the past few years, and with centuries against New Zealand and Pakistan, he is in prime form. But AAP reported that Errol Alcott, Australia's physio, had said that he was only a 50-50 chance to play.

Katich, who was dropping off Christmas presents when the selectors' call came, said that the news came as a surprise to him, but added: "I guess it remains to be seen whether I play in the Test, but either way, it's nice to know that I'm still in the selectors' minds when it comes to picking batsmen to represent Australia."