Australia coach Darren Lehmann defends opener Chris Rogers' slump in form

Australia coach and selector Darren Lehmann has defended Chris Rogers' output, saying that people don't realise that there is more to opening than 'just putting big scores on the board', despite the opener having a top score of 43 in his past eight innings.

While David Warner posted two centuries in last week's pulsating first Test against India in Adelaide, Rogers scored nine and 21 and looked far less comfortable in partnerships of 50 and 38. And at 37 Rogers is never going to be far away from speculation over his future in Australia's Test side. Lehmann said that Rogers is a 'great foil for Warner', adding that that's 'what he does like', and they 'like that as a selection panel'. He said that Rogers 'knows he's got to make some runs', admitting that there is 'no hiding from the fact', News.com.au reported.

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But, the coach added that Rogers has put on some 'really good partnerships' with Warner over the last 18 months and been a 'great foil' behind the scenes.He added that they are 'really pleased' where Rogers is at, adding that they would 'obviously like the opener to make some more runs though'.

While Rogers averages just under 35 in his 17 Tests, the left-hander has partnered Warner in five century opening stands. The more aggressive Warner has gone to great lengths at times to pay tribute to Rogers and to explain their on-field chemistry, the report added.