Langer has no thoughts of retiring after head injury

SYDNEY, Apr 6 (Reuters) Australian test opener Justin Langer has no thoughts of retiring on medical grounds after being badly concussed while batting in South Africa.

The left-hander was struck in the head by a bouncer from South African fast bowler Makhaya Ntini from the first ball he faced in the final test, his 100th, in Johannesburg.

''There are definitely no worries about the future, not at all,'' Langer told reporters on his return home to Perth today.

''This was a freak incident, and that was the thing about batting in the second innings - the only danger was getting re-concussed in that short period of time.'' Australia won the third test by two wickets to complete a series clean sweep. Langer was prepared to bat if needed as Australia chased victory although captain Ricky Ponting said he would have stopped him facing a ball.

''(I) still feel like I have got a massive hangover...I have not felt that well since I got the blow,'' Langer said.

''Having said that, the last day of the test match was one of the great days of my test career, so that softened the blow a bit. But physically I am struggling.'' Langer was ordered to miss Australia's tour of Bangladesh starting next week. He said he was disappointed but accepted Cricket Australia's decision and was now setting his sights on this year's Ashes series at home to England.

''At the time I was bitterly disappointed at the decision, but looking at it now I respect where they are coming from,'' Langer said.

''I have read a report from the neurosurgeon and he recommended there was no way I would be available to play the first test.

''The only downside of not playing Bangladesh is that I can't get back on the horse...but the Ashes is a massive carrot for me.'' REUTERS DH BD1929