Cricket: The openers we're heartily sick of seeing

Justin Langer's most treasured piece of memorabilia is a photograph of the Hobart scoreboard on one cloudy afternoon in 2001.

The archetypal Aussie scrapper, Langer is particularly fond of a shot from the second test against New Zealand that shows a half-century beside his name, while his partner Matthew Hayden is still languishing on one.

Easily the batting combination New Zealand have feared most over the years, the duo were at it again yesterday, piling on an opening stand worth 137 as Australia took an early stranglehold on the second test, in temperatures reaching 37C.

It was their 13th century partnership in 69 outings, six of which have continued on past the 200 mark, and New Zealand might well have been relieved when it eventually ended at 137 with Hayden being caught and bowled by Paul Wiseman.

Certainly, the touring side have seen more than enough of the pair.

In 2001 they played New Zealand out of the first test at Brisbane with an opening stand of 224, and by the time a wicket fell in the second test at Hobart they had piled on 223.

Although the damage inflicted yesterday was not quite as dire, Langer's flying start stole the initiative for the home side, forcing New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming on to the defensive from the third over, and condemning the visitors to a long and uncomfortable day in the heat.

Unbeaten on 144 overnight, Langer maintained his impressive record at the Adelaide Oval, eventually bringing up his 20th test century (his third at the ground and his fourth against New Zealand) midway through the final session.

Any hopes of a strong start from New Zealand appeared slim from the first ball when the 34-year-old leaned on a gift half-volley from Chris Martin, beginning an assault that would leave Australia at 86 without loss at lunch.

It was another brutal assault from Langer in particular, reminiscent of that heady day at Hobart three years ago when he smashed 50 off 49 balls, struck 10 boundaries, and carried on to 123 - his second consecutive century after scoring 104 in the first test.

Langer is an interesting character; a cricketer who enjoys writing and thinking deeply about the game; a batsman who is always prepared to tailor his style to the conditions of the day; and a man who uses martial arts as a form of relaxation.

While Hayden prefers yoga, Langer is one step below a black-belt in a discipline known as "zen do kai", and claims it has helped him manage pressure and stress in all walks of his life.

`It teaches you lessons you can take throughout your life and into the middle when you're batting."