The Australian is determined to prove he is one of the best batsmen in the world and cement his Test place.

After his undefeated 241 at Lord's - the first double century of the new championship campaign - Langer said: ''I have really enjoyed my batting recently and this was the culmination of a lot of hard work over the last few months.

''I have played seven matches in seven weeks and I have never really felt out of the groove.

''It was a change arriving here from the West Indies, where the pitches are so different but the best players have to be able to adapt to the conditions.''

Langer wishes that he could pick up the hallowed turf of Lord's and carry it with him around the world.

''I love playing at Lord's - it is my favourite ground in the world. It would be nice if I could take this pitch with my everywhere and I think my game really suits the English conditions.

''I've had two seasons here now in first class cricket and I have learned how to play on the seaming wickets that you find here in the early spring time.

''I have been paid a lot of money by this county to be here and I feel that I should honour them by showing them that I really am the type of player they believe me to be.''

Langer is not bitter with the Australian authorities who decided to leave him out of the World Cup squad. Instead he will use his spare time to work on his game.

''It would have been nice to have been in Australia's World Cup plans but I know that it wasn't ever a realistic possibility.

''I would like to think that they view me as a Test player now and that I don't have to feel under pressure over my position.''