Justin Langer has praised Ricky Ponting for keeping his composure as England stalled for time in the drawn first Test.

In 2005 Ponting famously lost his cool after being run out by substitute fielder Gary Pratt, but faced with another potential controversy this time the Tasmanian was calmer, describing the tactics as "pretty ordinary".

"Of course that kind of thing annoys you. It was frustrating for the Australian team but the reality is that they've already moved on," Langer told the Press Association at an event supporting Get On, a campaign aimed at improving numeracy in England.

"By the time it happened they had probably had about 48 balls at number 10 and 11 so of course there is frustration. Was it in the spirit of the game? Probably not, but they'll deal with it.

"Ricky handled things perfectly. Maybe in the past he would have lost his cool over that sort of thing but his leadership is evolving every day. He's always been a fantastic captain and he leads by example but he did himself even more favours with the way he was controlled in that situation."

Langer did, though, call on the match officials to ensure there are no repeats.

"I thought England might have been a bit more subtle about it. To send the 12th man out two overs in a row and then to get the physio on for no apparent reason was a bit ridiculous," the Somerset captain said.

"The umpires have a responsibility to police this sort of thing and to make sure it doesn't get too ridiculous."

Langer saw both sides to Steve Harmison during his Ashes career - facing one of his most hostile spells in the 2005 opener at Lord's before taking guard to the seamer's infamous wide to begin the return series.

And while he admits the Durham paceman poses a unique problem to the home selectors, Langer believes his former team-mates are pleased when Harmison is left on the sidelines.

"When Freddie Flintoff is out of the team Australia are happy and I think it's the same with Harmison because they are both such impact bowlers," he added.

"What England have to weigh up is that he is an enigma. He can have such a positive effect on the team but on the flipside is 2006 when he sent the first ball to second slip. That's never happened to me before as an opening batsman and it can be detrimental to the side, it deflated them.

"He's hot and cold, but if he's hot then Australia won't want him in the XI."

Meanwhile, Langer's Somerset team-mate, former England bowler Andrew Caddick, believes England are wasting the new ball by opening up with Stuart Broad.

Broad's role came into question after he returned figures of one for 129 at Cardiff and Caddick would like to see one of the class of 2005 handed the job.

"There is a problem with the new ball partnership," Caddick told the Press Association.

"You need aggression and you need control but you also need some experience.

"I would have opened with Freddie and let him set the tone. Harmison can do that too if he plays and he might yet take that spot, with his pace and especially his bounce.

"I think Broad may be rested for Graham Onions.

"A good seam attack is important and with his consistency, he could be the class act they are looking for."