AUSTRALIAN Test opener Justin Langer has branded Worcestershire captain Vikram Solanki as the weakest link in the England one-day team.

The former Middlesex captain and gutsy left-hander insists that Solanki has never been regarded as a threat by the Australians and will remain inconsistent at international level because of his technical flaws.

"Vikram Solanki is not a bad player but he has a high back lift which makes him vulnerable to getting bowled," Langer said.

"The Australian fast bowlers always think they have a chance against him and he has never been discussed as a threat in our team meetings.

"If you look at Solanki's record he has been very inconsistent for England and until he tightens up his technique he will struggle against fast bowling."

Solanki averages a disappointing 26.19 from his 33 previous one-day international innings and he missed out again in England's crushing 100-run victory against Australia in the Twenty20 at the Rose Bowl last Monday.

The stylish right-hander fell for only nine to England's nemesis Glenn McGrath, but Langer is taking no notice of what he says is not "real cricket".

"Twenty20 cricket is just a gimmick," Langer said. "England are making the most of their win but it was just a one-off match. The real cricket starts in the NatWest one-day series followed by the Ashes.

"If Solanki scores a lot of runs against Australia then we will know how good a batsman he really is."

Solanki has struggled to find his best form for Worcestershire in the County Championship this season, averaging just 15.37 from six matches. His one-day form, however, has been more consistent. In the Totesport League he is third in the averages with 192 runs at 38.4.

In contrast, Langer, who is surplus to requirements in Australia's one-day side, averages 46.52 in Tests and his opening partnership with Matthew Hayden has set the tone for many of Australia's insurmountable totals.