Warner wants Rogers to delay retirement

David Warner has implored Chris Rogers to shelve retirement plans.

He has also expressed bemusement at English reports claiming he and Australian Test opening partner Rogers don’t like each other.

While the 37-year-old Rogers has previously indicated this Ashes will be his international swan song, he is in the form of his life after posting a career-best 173 at Lord’s to be averaging 109 in the series.

The only apparent threat to his spot could be the alarming bout of dizziness which forced him to retire hurt in the second innings at Lord’s. However, team medical staff are confident he’ll be fit for the third Test next week at Edgbaston.

Warner is keen to extend their opening partnership beyond the five-Test series that is squared 1-1.

“When we put on the hundred partnership in the second innings (at Lord’s), I came down the wicket and shook his hand and said ‘mate you can’t leave me’,” Warner said.

“He just laughed.

“He said the other day he is playing his best to date for Australia. I would love to see him go on, but he will know when it is time.”

The duo are likely to rank fourth on Australia’s list of most-productive Test opening pairs by the end of the Ashes.

Warner has been the hare to Rogers’ tortoise in so many of their stands, but the roles have been reversed on this tour.

Warner has struggled to score easily against Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, while Rogers has looked extremely comfortable driving the new ball.

“He is playing with freedom. He is playing with a clear mind,” Warner said.

“He keeps me in check and I keep him in check as well. I think he’s helped me a lot.

“I’ve loved opening the batting with him.”

Warner’s words are in sharp contrast to reports from English pundits that the pair actively dislike each other, to the point where they hardly speak on the field.

The 28-year-old was unsure how the “yin and yang” relationship has been “totally blown out of proportion”.

“I have no idea,” Warner said.

“But it doesn’t help when your mates like Brad Haddin stir the porridge a little bit and tell people we actually don’t like each other.

“We get along very well – everyone in the group knows that.”

Rogers is set to consult an ear specialist in London on Wednesday morning before joining the squad in the Midlands.

Warner admitted he was spooked by Rogers’ sudden debilitating turn at the crease on day four at Lord’s.

“That was bizarre … I was worried; I had no idea what was going on,” he said.

“He actually said to me the grandstand is moving and I said no it’s not.

“I saw him the other night and he said he was ok.”

Rogers previously had concussion issues after being struck on the head on the Windies tour leading into the Ashes.

If he is unable to prove his fitness before the Edgbaston clash, Shaun Marsh is likely to open in his place.

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