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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 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.”
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