Helping hand for Slater

Slater (right) chats to vice-captain Adam Gilchrist

Australian opener Michael Slater has been reassured that he still has a Test future despite being dropped for the final match of the Ashes series.

But he is to be offered counselling to help him deal with off the field problems which, it is thought, have contributed to his poor form.

Slater has scored 5,312 runs in 74 Test appearances, including 14 centuries and 21 fifties.

But he managed only 170 runs in the first four Tests against England at an average of just 24.28 and was replaced by Justin Langer for the game at The Oval.

Slater has been dealing with marriage problems in recent months and opted to come to England ahead of the rest of the team to work as a TV commentator.

The 31-year-old was fined for missing the team bus to a practice session prior to the fourth Test at Headingley.

But he insisted that was an "honest mistake" because he had not set the alarm properly on his mobile phone.

Big series ahead

The selectors are keen, however, to offer Slater any assistance necessary to help him rediscover his best form.

"He will need to be counselled by people within the team environment and possibly myself on those issues.

"But on the other issues, I'm sure something will be put in place to help him along the way there," chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns told ABC Radio.

Australia face a home and away double-header against South Africa during the winter and Slater's aggressive style could be vital in helping disrupt the rhythm of their opponents' impressive seam attack.

"I've been here before and believe I came back a better player, a better person.

"I believe this time, when I come back, I'll be a better player and a better person for it," he commented.