Somerset begin their Airtel CL T20 campaign today and espnstar.com caught up with their skipper Justin Langer for an exclusive chat.

By Sudeer Mahavaadi 

Q: Somerset have done well in recent time. So how important is the Airtel CL T20 for your team?
 
Ans: It is very important. Somerset is a small place in the southwest of England and to be here on a big world stage, it is a great opportunity for the club side. We are all looking forward to this geat opportunity. We are going to meet some frineds and foes during the tournament and some IPL teams which have shown some good quality of cricket in recent times.

We have some young talent and have come here with just one intention, that is to play quality cricket. Otherwise there was no point coming to to any tourney. But we also know that the conditions in India differ from other countries. When we have guys to come up with some fine performances, why would not we be successful in India?

Q: Okay but how do you rate your team's chances - you are playing the IPL winners, the Deccan Chargers in the opener.

Ans: That we know pretty well. I just want to see the back of Adam Gilchrist without troubling the scorers and everyone. We will be praying for that to happen first. Yes they some fantastic players in Andrew Symonds, Scott Styris and VVS Laxman. Even I thought the local guys are doing a pretty good job at the moment. Playing them infornt of their home crowd , we know won't be easy. But again any team is beatable and our guys are just waiting for that opportunity.

Q: Somerset, we remember could not enjoy the same success when stalwarts like Richards, Botham, Gavaskar and Robeuk were around. Why was it and can you establish any reasons for the sudden turaround?

Ans: Well I can't talk about that now. Yes even I would have dreamt of playing for Sussex when such great people were around. I think they did enjoy some good success at times. But I can talk about the present team, which is  wonderfully trained phisically and technically under Andy Hury's stewardship. He is a fantastic coach to happen for any team I suppose. We have set some good visions. The young guys have set some ambitions  - only to play quality cricket and we are happy with the development.

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Q: Now let us talk about Australia's domination - the defence of the ICC Champions Trophy was superb- can they repeat that kind of form when they visit India next month?

Ans: Yes, it was a fantastic win for them. I suppose it was a huge win. They were certainly diappointed to lose the Ashes, but it is really good to see them winning again. The team is gelling tegether. Again I am afraid conquering India in India is always the toughest challenge. It is always great to watch the Rahul Dravids and Sachin Tendulkars and is difficult to get them out when they get going. But the way the young ones exhibited some great skills, why can't they repeat their form here? Bret Lee coming back into contention and Mitchell showing his tremendous all-round skills are plus points for the Assuies as well.

Q: But Langer and Hayden are still greatly missed.

Ans: Well may be a bit in Test cricket. But the Australians have always been brlliant. They continue to produce outstanding players. Whoever is stepping in, is serious to grab the opportunities. The tradition has been continuing for sure. You know before Ian Healy retired there was a talk that no one could replace him. But Gilly stepped in and he was brilliant from the word go. It happend when the Waughs called it quits. Ricky Ponting followed Steve's footsteps. That has been the beauty of  Australian cricket.

Q: Last question. Who do think should be continuosly tried as openers in Test matches?

Ans: Well that is an interesting question. In Test matches, Simon Katich has always been a better choice and to partner him Shane Watson is not a bad gamble. Philip Hughes too is a tremendous cricketer and there is another guy, Chris Rogers. I think Katich-Watson can make a good pair. It all depends on who can grab the opportunity.

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