What’s it all about, Alfie?

Christmas 2008: Ex-Aussie opener Justin Langer wants to help you make the best of yourself. And, to that end, he’s written a book about the nature of mental strength…

Seeing the Sunrise
By Justin Langer

This is not your typical cricket book, filled with bite-by-bite recounts of meals on tour and bland recollections of on-field exploits, that could be better re-lived through newspaper match reports. Much like the man himself, Justin Langer’s second foray into the publishing world is unique; for a start, it will end up in ‘self help’ sections, rather than taking pride of place next to the plethora of diary-style sport books.

If you were looking for detailed insights into just how Langer perfected the cut, you’ll be disappointed – instead, Seeing the Sunrise is billed as a “handbook for overcoming self-doubt, for revelling in success, for aiming high”.

It’s certainly no surprise Langer struggled with self-doubt at various stages of his career. He was labelled “gritty” so often his surname must be close to thesaurus inclusion, while the Australian media wasted no time in questioning his selection the instant the runs dried up. It seemed his spot was never secure, despite 23 Test centuries and an average of 45 – so if there was ever a sportsman to offer advice about overcoming doubt, Langer is a prime candidate. For the most part, his role in Australia’s unparalleled success through the Waugh and Ponting eras went drastically under-appreciated.

Whether recounting Langer’s infamous loss of temper with the Barmy Army or the form slump that led to him being dropped in 2001, Seeing the Sunrise reveals Langer to be a deep thinker. He’s certainly also well read, particularly in the self-help genre, and the book is littered with quotes ranging from Robert Frost’s ‘Life goes on’ to ancient Indian sayings and even Andrea Bocelli. Langer also imparts wisdom from the martial arts arena (he’s a black belt in taekwondo): he recounts lending Joe Hyams’ Zen in the Martial Arts, the crux of which is to master patience, to Michael Clarke who promptly scored his fourth Test century.

Courage is a key theme throughout the book and one of the more inspiring moments is the recollection of the personal turmoil in Johannesburg, after Langer’s 100th Test had been marred by a nasty knock to the head and severe concussion. Medical staff and team management told Langer he wasn’t to bat again in the Test under any circumstances – it was simply too dangerous. At stumps on day four, Australia were 44 runs from victory with four wickets in hand. A sleepless night for Langer ensued, before having to tell his team-mates he was unable to bat. Yet, as wickets tumbled, Langer ignored medical advice and was padded up and ready to go. He wasn’t needed.

Seeing the Sunrise isn’t by any means groundbreaking: most of the techniques Langer imparts can be found, more in-depth, elsewhere. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is an inspiring, if slightly unexpected, book that gives valuable insight to how Langer became one of the toughest Test cricketers of recent times. The proof is in the results – and Andrew Strauss hit his highest Test score, 177, against New Zealand in March just after SMSing Langer to thank him for the inspiring book. No tour diary could do that. 
Jono Russell