Ashes 2019: Australian coach Justin Langer says dropped opener Cameron Bancroft was 'trying too hard'

Ben Madden

Ashes 2019: Australian coach Justin Langer says dropped opener Cameron Bancroft was 'trying too hard' image

Australia's coach, Justin Langer, has explained the reasoning behind dropping opener Cameron Bancroft for the third Ashes Test.

Bancroft, who scored 44 runs across the first two Tests, has been replaced by Marcus Harris.

However, Harris also failed in his first innings, being dismissed for eight in the fourth over, with the Aussies all out for 179 after a great display of bowling from Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad.

MORE: Ashes 2019: David Warner thanks Ricky Ponting for keeping him on track

Langer praised Bancroft, but said that he wasn't at his best.

"He is so tough, so dedicated, the boys literally love having him in the team," Langer said.

"Unfortunately, he is not at his best at the moment, whether he is trying a bit too hard.

"That can happen for a guy who is coming back in. He wasn't sure when he would be back.

"He is back playing Test cricket. Because he is trying so hard he is probably just batting to survive at the moment, his feet are not moving well.

"But we know he is a gun and we know he has a future in Australian cricket.

"For this Test, we know how important it is, we just went for Marcus Harris who has had a great 12 months. He bats with some freedom.

"It is a big opportunity for him and for all of us in this Test match."

It's better news for his batting partner, David Warner, who prior to this Test was averaging 4.50.

However, Warner scored a defiant 61 to prevent further embarrassment for the Aussies.

Before the innings, Langer said it was only a matter of time before Warner returned to form.

"Davey Warner, we saw how he played in the World Cup and you know with great players they're not too far away," Langer said.

"He's got a smile back on his face and got that look in his eyes.

"We're really hopeful, whether it's this innings or the next innings, if he has one great innings it will play a major role in us winning the Ashes."

The first day was interrupted by rain delays, but it was only Warner and Steve Smith replacement Marnus Labuschagne that looked anywhere near comfortable against an England attack with their tails up.

Ben Madden