Langer averages over 52 against England in Tests

The 35-year-old, a veteran of 100 Tests, wants to help his side avenge their 2-1 defeat in England last year.

"I have always said that the day you decide to retire, do it - don't announce it ahead of time because it will lead to huge distractions.

"I can't say what the future holds beyond the Ashes," he said.

Langer's last Test appearance was a painful one when he suffered concussion after being struck on the helmet by a ball from South Africa's Makhaya Ntini.

And in an interview for the Sydney Morning Herald, he admitted considering retirement after returning home from that tour.

The lure of another Ashes series, however, proved too great.

Ashes schedule 2006-07

"When I first came home I thought that possibly it was the time to go. But now I know it isn't the right time.

"I don't know if that means I've got one series to go or whatever, but I know I really want to play in the Ashes.

"It would definitely be nice to leave the game with the Ashes in our possession," he commented.

Langer has made almost 7,400 runs in Tests, including 22 centuries, and together with Matthew Hayden has formed one of the most successful opening partnerships of all time.

He has already begun fitness training for the Ashes, even though the series does not start until late November.

"Every single session I do, I will be thinking about England," he added.