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Aussies still assessing dizzy Rogers

20th July, 2015
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Australia opener Chris Rogers will retire from Test cricket at some point in the next five and a half weeks.

The question of when remains fuzzy, with team medical staff still assessing the cause of Rogers’ concerning sudden bout of dizziness during the second Ashes Test.

Rogers consulted an independent specialist on Monday, with team doctor Peter Brukner and physio Alex Kontouris expected to provide an update after the visit.

The veteran is coming off the greatest of his 22 Tests, scoring a career-best 173 in the first dig at Lord’s then retiring hurt on 49 in the second innings.

The fear is Rogers may be suffering from delayed onset of concussion, having been struck on the helmet on day two.

The 37-year-old missed both Tests on Australia’s recent tour of the West Indies due to concussion, having been hit in the nets.

Rogers was also struck on the back of the helmet while fielding at short leg during the 2014-15 series against India.

Coach Darren Lehmann and captain Michael Clarke were both upbeat Rogers would be right for the third Test, which starts on July 29.

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Lehmann admitted Rogers, who has announced this five-Test series will be his last, was a crucial part of the touring party because of his extensive county experience.

“He’s made it clear he’s not going to come on the next Ashes tour, although he’d probably like to as a tour host,” Lehmann laughed, referencing Rogers’ bungled attempt to start a tour group.

“He knows these conditions so well, he loves England.

“He helps our batters and bowlers about conditions here. For example Lord’s, all the angles you’ve got to play with the slope.

“He knows them so well, he’s a very important part of this tour.”

Lehmann noted Rogers’ current issue was a “different scenario” to the Caribbean, where the left-hander suffered dizziness and persistent headaches.

Rogers was unable to field on day four of Australia’s emphatic 405-run win, but appeared to be in good spirits on the Lord’s balcony.

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“He’s alright, we’ll just have to wait and see what the medical staff come up with,” Lehmann said.

Rogers was likely to be rested from this week’s tour game against Derbyshire regardless.

“It sounds to me that today’s incident is no relation to him getting hit in the West Indies or even the other day,” Clarke said.

“We’ll wait and see the result and let the experts have a look at him and make their decision.

“But I’m confident Chris will be right for the next Test.”

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