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Rogers deserves a break: Hussey

Missing Shield match could be a blessing in disguise

Victoria veteran David Hussey senses rest might be the best medicine for Test opener Chris Rogers.

Rogers and Peter Siddle will take no part in Australia's Twenty20 and one-day series against South Africa.

But the pair were both unavailable for Victoria's first-class clash with Tasmania, which starts on Saturday.

Much has been made of Rogers' colour-blindness costing him a place in the side, given he can't see the pink balls that will be trialled in the upcoming day-night round of the Sheffield Shield.

But Hussey suggested the fellow 37-year-old was owed a break regardless given he spent the Australian winter with Middlesex prior to joining the Test side in the UAE.

"It's probably a good thing for him, he gets to rest and recharge his batteries and probably get a Shield game under his belt next week," Hussey said on Thursday.

"I've had a bit of text banter with him, he just said he's going to be rested.

"He's had a big winter and a couple of big hard Tests in the heat of the UAE.

"I reckon he's going to make a lot of runs this summer for Australia."

Despite some pundits calling for national selectors to blood a new Test opener at the Gabba, Hussey was adamant his teammate remained the "best opener in Australia".

"He's a huge loss for us ... a fully fit and recharged Chris Rogers is a great asset for any team," he said.

Hussey will play his 100th Shield game for Victoria on the weekend, captaining the side in the absence of Matthew Wade.

He scored a century in the side's season-opening win over NSW, but admitted a glittering first-class career would have to end soon.

"Not many more (seasons left)," Hussey said, describing the milestone as an honour.

"I've always said I'll never stand in the road of a young kid who is probably going to play for Australia.

"If that means I'm forced out this year, so be it. I'm more than happy."