Opener still a chance to play third Test as more information on his condition is revealed
Rogers' dizziness linked to hit
Australia opener Chris Rogers remains a chance of playing in the third Ashes Test that starts in Birmingham next week after being cleared of any serious damage following the dizzy spells that forced him to retire while batting at Lord’s on Sunday.
Rogers, who was forced to miss two Tests in the West Indies last month after suffering from concussion, will not play in the upcoming tour match against Derbyshire that begins on Thursday and will be further reviewed by a London-based specialist tomorrow.
But Australia’s Bupa Support Team Doctor Peter Brukner said today the dizzy spells that Rogers suffered shortly after resuming his innings on Sunday morning were likely to be the result of a delayed ear problem from a blow he received while batting on the second morning at Lord’s.
After making his way to 158 on day one, Chris Rogers received a rude awakening with the first ball of day two at Lord's
Just weeks after he was concussed by a net bowler at training in Dominica prior to the first Test in the Caribbean, Rogers was hit by a bouncer from England’s James Anderson that thudded into his protective batting helmet just above his right ear.
The 37-year-old was treated on the field for a small cut behind his ear caused when the impact forced the helmet to break the skin, but he continued batting on to record a career-best Test score of 173 and fielded throughout England’s first innings without ill effect.
It was only when he appeared to be struggling with his balance and then sunk to his haunches after two overs of play on Sunday morning that concerns were raised that it might be a neurological problem related to the earlier blows, and he was eventually forced to leave the field.
Australia opener Chris Rogers has retired hurt on 49 on the morning of day four, suffering what looked to be a dizzy spell
He took no further part in the remainder of Australia’s 405-run win in the second Test, and he will remain in London while a bulk of Australia’s squad travels to Derby later today to play the three-day tour game prior to the third Test that begins at Edgbaston on July 29.
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Chris Rogers on the balcony after retiring hurt // Getty Images
“Chris’s condition is certainly improving,” Brukner said today.
“He has had scans and seen a specialist since (Sunday) to help determine the cause of his dizziness.
“The initial scans have cleared him of any serious damage and we await the results of further tests.
“It appears the most likely diagnosis is a delayed ear problem related to being struck on day two of the Test match.
“We are confident that this is something we can manage in the lead up to the third Test at Edgbaston.
“As a precaution he’ll be reviewed by the specialist in London again on Wednesday morning before re-joining the touring party.
“Chris was not scheduled to play in the tour match against Derbyshire, so he has time to continue resting ahead of the Test match.”
Fast bowlers Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as well as batsman Steve Smith – man of the match in the thumping second Test win – will also remain in London for a few days before rejoining the touring party ahead of the third Test.
That will leave Australia with a bare minimum 12 players available for the Derbyshire match, which means both ‘keepers Brad Haddin and Peter Nevill will be part of the XI with spinner Nathan Lyon expected to be handed 12th man duties.
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