Ashes 2013: David Warner could take my place - Chris Rogers

Opener Chris Rogers says his place could be under threat following David Warner's return to the Australia squad for the third Test against England.

Rogers has made 89 runs in four innings and coach Darren Lehmann may opt to restore Warner at the top of the order.

In June, Warner was suspended for punching England batsman Joe Root in a bar, but struck 193 playing for Australia A in South Africa last week.

"If I don't perform I may not deserve a place in the side," Rogers said.

"Darren said we (Rogers and Shane Watson) were the openers to start, but it is up to us to perform.

"I think they used David in the middle order when he played for Australia A - I don't know if that is what they want to do but maybe it is."

Lehmann confirmed at the start of the series that Rogers would open with Watson, but Australia's batsmen have struggled in the opening two Tests at Trent Bridge and Lord's, with England opening up a 2-0 lead.

Batsman Steve Smith is a slight doubt for the third Test at Old Trafford on Thursday with a back injury which prevented him for participating in training on Tuesday.

That could see Warner handed a place in the middle order at Smith's expense and fellow left-hander Rogers believes the 26-year-old's aggressive style would be an asset to the tourists.

"David brings a lot of energy to the group. He goes 100mph and it is fantastic to see him get runs," Rogers added.

"He is such a destructive player so if he bats for long he could put some real pressure on England. He is one of those ones the opposition know they have to get out quickly.

"If he bats for a while he can take the game away like Adam Gilchrist used to do. Hopefully he can do that for us if he does play."

Meanwhile, former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee believes Warner is a "pure match-winner" and should go straight into the team.

Lee said: "I'd like to think they can get a win in the third Test coming up and maybe if they inject someone like a David Warner - a pure match-winner - I reckon that'd be a great way to get the Australians on the board.

"Australia have been playing some decent cricket but we've just fallen short of the mark. But it only takes one huge innings or one good bowling spell to get the boys back in the right frame of mind."