Adam Gilchrist has admitted that Justin Langer's place in the Australian side is in jeopardy from in-form rivals Damien Martyn and Simon Katich.

Gilchrist captained the team in the previous tour game and is a member of the three-man selection committee that will pick the team for the First Test at Edgbaston starting on Thursday. Although the success of the Australian team has been characterised by their consistency of selection and Steve Waugh has previously referred to Langer as "the best batsman in the world," the Western Australian left-hander has looked far from his best on this tour.

Langer's determination at the crease has been the ideal foil to the more flamboyant stroke makers around him in recent years, and he has contributed seven centuries and an average a fraction under 40 to the Australian cause.

But Langer was dismissed second ball in the first innings at Chelmsford before struggling for 75 minutes for 17 in the second, while nearly all about him – including Glenn McGrath - scored freely. He had previously recorded four and a first ball duck in the game against MCC. Such performances are in stark contrast to those by Katich (who stroked a lovely 168* against MCC) and Martyn (who scored 80 in the second innings of that game).

"Obviously you have to look at current form, and that will come into consideration," Gilchrist hinted.

"We all knew we had just two tour games, and it was a case of we will all try and get as much time in the middle as we can. We have shown a lot of faith, and that is something Steve Waugh has always instilled in this team."

But Langer's past record, and his experience of playing county cricket will count for him when the decision is made.

"There is a great belief and amount of respect in what you have done before, and that will all come into consideration when we discuss the situation," Gilchrist continued.

Australia will have been boosted by the return to form of Hayden and Slater during the game against Essex, leaving Langer as the only man short of runs.

"The top two got some runs (at Chelmsford). Justin Langer is the batsman we would have most liked to get some runs - but he didn't. He knows that there will be pressure on him, particularly because Damien (Martyn) and Simon (Katich) have both scored hundreds in these two matches."

Clearly there is plenty of sympathy for Langer within the tourist's squad, but Gilchrist praised Langer's commitment to the team and his strength of character.

"It can be a lonely place. No matter how many people are around you it can be so lonely if you are not scoring runs. He is obviously a bit frustrated and disappointed by the fact he is not getting the best out of himself.

"But he is a hard worker and a team man and whatever is happening to him on the field he will be the same man. He will continue to contribute to this Australian team whether it is on or off the field, depending on selection."

© CricInfo