Rogers ready to prove fitness

CHRIS Rogers was to make an unexpectedly early return to training in the nets today, giving the Australian opener two main sessions to prove his fitness for the third Ashes Test in Birmingham.

After experiencing dizzy spells in the wake of being hit in the head by a bouncer at Lord’s last week, Rogers was easing back into his work on Saturday with a few walking laps of the field and running water to teammates in their tour match against Derbyshire.

However, he was expected to turn things up a notch yesterday in an optional session at Edgbaston, in a development that should give medical staff a clearer indication of how their left- handed star is placed.

Australia remain highly optimistic and are giving Rogers every opportunity to play in the match, such is the veteran’s importance to victory – as was evidenced by his incredible 173 in the second Test.

The only issue for Rogers is time. He must convince the bosses, and himself, that he’ll be 100 per cent by Wednesday.

Australia traditionally only have a light session on match eve, meaning Rogers has two main opportunities to show he can get through a five- day Test.

Batting coach Michael Di Venuto says when Rogers does return to the nets, it will likely be at full throttle.

“He had a few underarms this morning and then went for a couple of laps of the ground,” he said. “He’s slowly getting back into it.