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Justin Langer takes brutal pot shot at Shane Warne

Justin Langer has taken a subtle dig at his team's World Cup critics, reminding them it's "easy being a commentator".

Australia sit second on the World Cup ladder with a 5-1 start, ahead of their biggest game of the tournament so far against England on Tuesday.

However the likes of Shane Warne have been among the most critical of the team throughout the tournament, questioning their approach with the bat.

Of note is the fact Australia are happy to take a more conventional approach with the bat, building a firm platform, before launching late in the innings with wickets in hand.

The tactic is working so far too, with Australia's tournament run-rate of 6.48 the second highest in the competition.

"We've got 381 (against Bangladesh) - it's been a long time since we got 381," Langer said.

"There's been a lot of critics saying we can't do that.

"I've maintained that the whole time if we stick to our game plan and the conditions are right, we'll get scores that are enough to win games of cricket.

"We've done that for the last six months or so and we'll hopefully keep doing that."

Warne took to Twitter during last Thursday's win over Bangladesh to claim Australia couldn't challenge India or England with their current game plan.

Asked if the criticism had frustrated him, Langer said: "It's easy being a commentator."

Langer also moved to defend Usman Khawaja, after his spot in the side had been questioned in the lead up to the Bangladesh win.

Justin Langer has admonished Shane Warne for his criticism of Australia's approach. Pic: Getty
Justin Langer has admonished Shane Warne for his criticism of Australia's approach. Pic: Getty

With Marcus Stoinis coming back into the team from a side strain, it was thought a decision would have to be made between Khawja and Shaun Marsh.

Khawaja had hit just one score above 20 until that point of the World Cup, before he finished on 89 in the win over the Tigers.

"The Uzzie one ... a no-brainer," Langer said.

"He's got more runs than anyone in world cricket in one-day cricket this year (before the World Cup started).

"He's adaptable, he's come in in different situations. He's played beautifully and I'm really confident with that."