Struggling David Warner set to survive axe for fifth Ashes Test

Australia remain upbeat David Warner can conquer Stuart Broad in this week's Ashes finale as a stack of batsmen continue to test selectors' patience.

Warner is in the midst of an unprecedented form slump and will enter the fifth Test, starting at the Oval on Thursday, under the pump.

‘EXTREMELY DISTURBED’: ECB aware of 'anti-social' behaviour by fans

The former vice-captain has been dismissed six times by England veteran Broad this series, including three ducks in his past three knocks, while tallying 79 runs at 9.87.

But Warner's career bank of 6,442 Test runs is set to ensure he avoids the axe as the tourists, who retained the urn by taking a 2-1 series lead in Manchester, seek to complete Australia's first series win in England since 2001.

"Davey hasn't had a great series but imagine how good the team will be when he starts having a great series," coach Justin Langer said.

"We're hopeful he'll do that in the next Test.

"(Steve Smith) has done a lot for Australian cricket for the last few years actually, and so has Dave Warner.

‘IT’S PATHETIC’: Aussie legend slams England over 'disgraceful' act

"The other guys are learning as they go and that's all part of the experience."

Mitch Marsh is the only top-six candidate in the 17-man squad yet to be given a chance in the five-Test series.

Marsh could potentially come into the mix, especially if Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are retained despite the tight turnaround creating workload concerns, but it is likely Australia will back the incumbent batsmen to find form.

Smith the difference: Root

Joe Root described Smith's Bradman-like mountain of runs as the difference between the teams during a series in which ball has dominated bat.

Australia's unsettled top six has recorded largely modest returns.

Marnus Labuschagne, having gone from strength to strength since filling in as Smith's concussion substitute, is a notable exception.

Labuschagne has emerged as the nation's next first drop with four half-centuries on the trot.

Matthew Wade posted a series-opening century and formed a key second-innings stand with Smith at Old Trafford.

Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris have each been given two Tests as Warner's opening partner but failed to reach 20.

Usman Khawaja was dropped after three Tests, while Travis Head has logged scores of zero, 25, 19 and 12 since salvaging a draw at Lord's.

"Travis Head is new to Test cricket, Marnus is new to Test cricket, Marcus Harris is new to Test cricket, Cameron Bancroft is new to Test cricket," Langer said.

"You can't just give them that experience, they've got to earn that.

"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.

"Hopefully they'll come through ... we're very thankful to have Steve. I've never seen batting like that."

The touring party celebrated with gusto in Manchester but Langer insisted they haven't lost sight of the bigger goal.