ASHES 2019: Justin Langer issues warning to underperforming Aussie batsmen 

The Ashes has been retained but Langer wants more from his batters, either side of Steve Smith.

David Warner's form must be a big worry for Australia | Getty

Head coach Justin Langer made clear all of Australia's batsmen must perform to the level that is expected in order to retain their places in the side despite retaining the Ashes in Manchester. 

Langer did call for patience from outside for his batters but also put under scanner people like David Warner, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, who have all underperformed thus far, while Steve Smith has been the stand-out batsman in the Aussie line-up this Ashes and Marnus Labushagne has been quite consistent as well.  

"He (Smith) has done a lot for Australian cricket for the last few years actually, and so has Dave Warner," Langer was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au

"But we've also got to remember, Travis Head is new to Test cricket, Marnus (Labuschagne) is new to Test cricket, Marcus Harris is new to Test cricket, Cameron Bancroft is new to Test cricket."

"You can't just give them that experience, they've got to earn that and we're very thankful to have Steve batting (like he is). We're lucky to have him but Test cricket takes time. We've got to respect that, it takes a lot of time."

Warner's form at the top of the order, especially, is a huge concern for Australia. However, he has Langer's backing with him to come out of the slump soon. "Davey hasn't had a great series but imagine how good the team will be when he starts having a great series and we're hopeful he'll do that in the next Test match. The other guys are learning as they go and that's all part of the experience," he said. 

"As Australian Test cricketers, you've still got to perform but … whether it makes a difference that we won the Ashes or not, time will tell."

"You've still got to perform whether you're young or a veteran but we also have to recognise they are young batsmen and it's a really tough school and hopefully they'll come through at some point."

Australia will have the chance to win the series and further gain crucial points towards standings in the inaugural World Test Championship via a victory in the last Test that begins at The Oval on September 12. 

(Inputs from cricket.com.au)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 10 Sep, 2019

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