Looks like its raining retirements. To join the over crowded band wagon is Justin Langer who officially announced his retirement from test cricket. Langer’s retirement doesn’t come as a surprise to cricket lovers around the world.

The 5th and final test at Sydney will be his last appearance for Australia and the 4th Aussie to do so in the last couple of weeks. Langer joins the likes of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath at the SCG farewell against England. All these greats are quitting at their peak.

Langer considered ending his career soon after the tour of South Africa in April this year but, like Warne, he decided reclaiming the Ashes was his highest priority and wanted to be part of it.

Langer started his career in 1993 as a no.3 batsman for a while. The then opener Michael Slater wasn’t able to deliver opening partnerships consistently that Australia needed to win matches. So it was Langer who was sent in to open where he performed outstandingly and since then he hasn’t looked back.

With more than 7000 test runs including 22 tons, he was known to be one of the most difficult batsmen to dismiss in contemporary cricket. He even earned a Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 2001 and in early 2006 became the tenth man and first Western Australian to play 100 Tests for Australia.

His opening partnerships with Matthew Hayden will be remembered for all times.