Justin Langer became the highest-scoring Australian batsman in first-class cricket at Worcester today when he overhauled Sir Donald Bradman's career total of 28,067 runs.

The 38-year-old Somerset captain took 20 minutes to score the six runs he needed having resumed with 89 to his name on the third morning of the rain-delayed LV County Championship match against Worcestershire.

He went past the milestone with a cover drive for four off fellow Australian Matt Mason from the ninth ball he faced.

Langer, now in his 18th year in first-class cricket since making his debut for Western Australia, reached the milestone in his 615th innings compared to only 338 by the great Bradman.

After an earlier spell in county cricket with Middlesex, Langer made his debut for Somerset in 2006 and became captain in the following season.

Born in Perth, he also captained Western Australia up to the 2006-07 season.

Since his scoring a century against Tasmania in his last match for WA in March 2008, he has played exclusively for Somerset.

Matthew Hayden, a close friend and former opening partner of Langer, paid tribute to the batsman.

He said: "It is very fitting that a man of Justin's calibre takes this honour because when you break a record of one of the greatest individuals, that being Sir Donald Bradman, it has to be by a person of quality."