Langer made a century on that occasion against England at the Oval, and has gone on to record five Test tons in the seven matches since he regained his place in the side.

Click here for scorecard

His latest score of 126 against South Africa in Sydney confirmed his opening partnership with Matthew Hayden as one of the best ever.

"It's been exciting, even a bit surreal but if you'd ask me a few months ago if I'd be feeling like I am now I'd think you're crazy," Langer said.

"I think we're in the box seat because we had a good day. It's going to be tough for the South Africans from here," he said.

"They're obviously under pressure. They're disappointed to have lost the first two tests and their demeanour was pretty flat."

Fellow opener Hayden, who scored 105, applauded South Africa after they fought back to take five wickets late in the day.

But the Queenslander believes that Australia will go on to win after he put on a record-equalling fourth double century stand with Langer.

"I thought they showed a bit of fightback. They didn't know where the next wicket was going to come from but they stuck in there," he said.

"But it's going to be a deteriorating wicket. The cracks are already starting to open up and I think if we can get another 150 tomorrow we'll be in a really good position."