Rogers to partner Watson in first Test

The definitive call from new coach Darren Lehmann leaves incumbent Ed Cowan in the dark about where he will bat in the line-up, if indeed he can survive the cut for Trent Bridge.

Lehmann announced before the opening tour match against Somerset that Watson would return to his favoured position at the top of the order, and now on the eve of their final tune-up against Worcestershire, he's also locked in veteran Rogers.

The 35-year-old left-hander hasn't played a Test since his debut against India in 2008, but has compiled nearly 20,000 first class runs and has a tremendous record in English county cricket.

Rogers admits he thought his chances of playing Test cricket had dried up.

"I'm naturally excited. It's a huge thrill. Anyone who has been selected doesn't want to be a one-Test wonder," Rogers said.

"I had probably given up hope at times but I guess with the new selection committee and retirements of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey it gave me a bit of hope that they would pick an older head.

"I can just enjoy it and really see that there is nothing to lose. I didn't expect this opportunity and hopefully I can play well. If that happens hopefully we can win a few games as well."

Rogers has scored over 10,000 runs in county cricket and is the top run scorer in the top division this season with 790 runs at 65.83.

He believes experience has got him over the line, with the swinging Dukes ball a difficult beast to contain in English conditions.

"I think you need to get a real feel for it, particularly as an opening batsman," he said.

"The ball is going to do some crazy things at times.

Where Cowan will bat in Worcester is unknown, although his skills and experience are better suited to filling the No.3 void than moving down to No.5 or 6.

Cowan averages 32 from his 17 Tests playing exclusively as an opener, with his one and only hundred coming last year in Brisbane.

Lehmann left out Usman Khawaja from the Worcester match, but retained Cowan and Phil Hughes - suggesting Khawaja is once again on the outer to start a Test tour.

However, the coach refused to confirm the other positions in the order and was adamant that not too much should be read into the tour game.

Lehmann said he would have liked to have seen more wickets from Siddle on the Australia A tour and the last tour match against Somerset, but said the fast bowler was still in the mix to play the first Test.

It would appear James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc are certainties to lead the attack, with Siddle to be given a run for his position by Ryan Harris.

Lehmann said he'd be open to playing five bowlers if the conditions were right, and that's the only scenario where bowling allrounder James Faulkner would play.

Middle order batsman Steve Smith and spinner Ashton Agar, originally drafted to stay until the end of the first Test, will now in all likelihood stay with the squad for the duration of the tour.

Australians for Worcester match (batting order unconfirmed): Shane Watson, Ed Cowan, Chris Rogers, Michael Clarke (capt), Phil Hughes, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Ashton Agar, Jackson Bird, Nathan Lyon (12th man).