Rogers out of Windies Test
Veteran opener Chris Rogers has been ruled out of the opening Test against the West Indies starting on Wednesday, due to concussion.
The 37-year-old was struck in the helmet by a nets bowler at training on Sunday and showed signs of concussion including headache and dizziness.
Rogers was assessed by doctor Peter Brukner at the team hotel in Dominica later on Sunday and a follow-up assessment on Monday showed signs of concussion were persisting.
In line with Cricket Australia’s guidelines, the doctor made the decision to rule Rogers out of the Test which starts on Wednesday, delivering the news to the opener alongside coach Darren Lehmann and captain Michael Clarke at training.
“He won’t be returning to training until he’s fully recovered,” Brukner said.
“He’ll have a return to play process, once he’s symptom-free, of a few days gradually increasing his activity before he gets back to it.”
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Brukner said he expects Rogers to be recovered in time for the second Test in Jamaica next week.
It’s the first time since Rogers recall to the Test team in 2013 that he has missed a match for Australia.
His absence throws up a number of selection issues.
Shaun Marsh, who made a century as an opener in last week’s tour match in Antigua, is almost certain to take his spot in the order.
His elevation means 35-year-old Adam Voges could come into contention to make his Test debut.
Another option would be to pick Marsh’s younger brother Mitchell Marsh as a second allrounder alongside Shane Watson.
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Australia are expected to name their team at the toss of the series opener on Wednesday morning (Thursday AM AEST).
Meanwhile, the West Indies are playing coy on their line-up.
Just like Australia, the Windies are yet to decide whether they will pick two spinners or three fast bowlers at a venue renowned for assisting slow bowlers.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s omission by selectors also leaves a huge hole in the hosts’ batting lineup.
Highly-rated 21-year-old right-hander Shai Hope, who debuted as an opener in the Windies’ last Test against England, is expected to move down to his preferred middle-order role and take Chanderpaul’s spot.
But that then leaves a question mark as to who will open alongside Kraigg Brathwaite, with uncapped pair Rajindra Chandrika and Shane Dowrich believed to be the men most likely.
Chandrika made a first innings half-century and a first-ball duck in last week’s tour match in Antigua against Australia while Dowrich, who isn’t a natural opener, made two impressive half-centuries.
Coach Phil Simmons says all 14 players remain in the mix despite the Test being less than two days away from starting.
“I don’t know. It (the pitch) looks a little bit different from yesterday. It looks hard, bit patchy but I’ll wait until tomorrow and see what it’s like before we make that decision,” he said.
Simmons is, however, confident the furore over 164-Test veteran Chanderpaul’s axing hasn’t proven to be a distraction at all.
“It’s about the team and we’ve got to just make sure we’re ready as a team for the Test match on Wednesday,” he said.
