In an interview to espnstar.com, Somerset skipper Justin Langer talks about the upcoming Champions League and a lot more.

By Garima Verma

Q. How prepared Somerset are for the approaching Airtel Champions League?

A. We have a very well-balanced team and a great mix of youthful talent and proven experience. As long as we can adapt to the Indian conditions, there is not a single reason why we won't be successful in the Champions League.

Q. Will IPL exposure give Deccan Chargers, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils an upper-hand in the tournament?

A. The fact that each of these teams has a number of local players will give them an advantage in the Indian conditions. Somerset, for example, won't be overawed just because they are not an IPL team. But, the home conditions will obviously favour the three IPL teams.

Click here for some pictures of Justin Langer

Q. One of your shots against Shoaib Akhtar is rated the best by him. How was the rivalry between you two? (During a match in Peshawar in 1998, Langer played a square drive off Akhtar's bowling that went for a four between deep point and deep backward point. Shoaib rates that shot as the best stroke played by a batsman against his bowling.)

A. I really enjoyed my battles with Shoaib. He was without contest, in terms of pace, the fastest bowler I faced. We had many great confrontations. But, when I faced the pace of Shoaib, I knew I was alive.

Q. And, how immense was the pressure of opening the batting with Matthew Hayden for a champion side like Australia?

A. The expectations were always high but the pressure was just a part of playing Test cricket. I loved playing for my country and opening the batting with my close friend Matthew Hayden. Both were wonderful privileges and I feel so thankful for the incredible opportunities that came my way.

Q. What do you think was the major reason for Australia's loss to England in the recent Ashes?

A. Australia are a relatively inexperienced team at the moment and though they lost the Ashes it was an incredibly close series. There were just a couple of key moments or sessions, which went against Australia, and they hurt them in the final outcome.

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