Waugh finds positives amid openers' struggles

Test legend Steve Waugh has thrown his support behind Australia's misfiring opening batters David Warner and Cameron Bancroft after they each failed to post a significant score for the third time this Ashes series.

Warner was out for three to arch-nemesis Stuart Broad late on day two – the third instance in as many innings the England veteran has captured his wicket this campaign – while Bancroft was paceman Jofra Archer's maiden Test wicket, tapped lbw for 13 on Friday.

The low scores at Lord's follow totals of two and eight for Warner and eight and seven from Bancroft at Edgbaston, while Bancroft made 33 and seven in Australia's three-day tour match in Worcester between the opening two Tests of the series.

Despite their struggles, Waugh, who has been with the Australian camp for the past month as a mentor and sounding board, has backed both players to turn their fortunes around in the harsh climate of Test cricket.

"I think Dave Warner looked really good last night, it was a pretty good delivery which got him, I don't think that's too much cause for concern," Waugh said after play was abandoned due to rain on Friday.

"Bancroft stayed in there for quite a while, did a good job for the team. They both want to get a lot more runs obviously, but Test match cricket is tough.

"It's challenging and the conditions over here are not easy for batting.

"Both bowling attacks are world-class. You are up against some really quality bowlers who have taken a lot of wickets, have a lot of experience, a lot of knowhow and you've got to work hard for your runs.

"It's a fine line, you can analyse and scrutinise players, but that's Test match cricket.

"Sometimes you are going to miss out. If you pick a guy, you back him for the long term and right now we are confident those guys are going to bounce back."

Waugh has worked closely with Bancroft during his time in the Australian set-up, marvelling at the Western Australian's ability as a bat-pad fielder.

But the former Test captain has been a strong voice in Bancroft's ear during batting practice and is confident the 26-year-old, who batted for 99 minutes across two days, can make an impact this series.

"I see my role is to get guys comfortable and confident and relaxed, that's what I am trying to do," Waugh said.

"Cameron's preparation for this Test was excellent.

"He looked really good in the nets, and he's pretty relaxed at the moment.

"He'd like some more runs but I am backing him to do well.

"He's a thoroughly professional cricketer, a nice, decent guy who works hard at his game.

"He's dedicated and he's disappointed he missed out, but he's that sort of cricketer – he's tough and he'll come back."

While a broad range of bowlers have dismissed Bancroft this series, Warner's biggest problem has been Broad.

Having not been dismissed by the England seamer in the past two Ashes series, Warner has fallen to Broad each Test innings this tour.

The left-hander was out lbw in the first innings in Birmingham, although a referral would have earned him a reprieve. He then edged a brute of ball looking to leave on day three at Edgbaston.

At Lord's on Thursday, having batted 20 minutes in the evening, the 32-year-old was castled by Broad, with the trio of wickets being delivered from round the wicket by the right-armer.

While former Test captain Ricky Ponting says Warner needs to be more positive and look to score against the Englishman, Broad says all he has changed to the dynamic opener has been targeting his woodwork.

"I don't think I've done anything majorly different apart from bring his stumps into play a little bit more," Broad said, who has 2-26 in Australia's second innings of 4-80.

"In the past I've seen Warner as looking to find his edge all the time whereas a slight change of plans … that's more me just looking to bring the stumps into play.

"You saw that with (Travis) Head today (who was out lbw by Broad from round the wicket for seven) as well, it's that slightly fuller length."

2019 Qantas Ashes Tour of England

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

England squad: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Chris Woakes.

First Test: Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston

Second Test: August 14-18,Lord's

Third Test: August 22-26, Headingley

Tour match: Australians v Derbyshire, August 29-31

Fourth Test: September 4-8, Old Trafford

Fifth Test: September 12-16, The Oval