London sabbatical for openers needed to save Oz Ashes hopes, says Rogers

Australian opener Chris Rogers has said that the purpose of separating him and all-rounder Shane Watson from the rest of the group was to get them focused on batting the opening wicket partnership, which is vital to Australia's hopes of saving the Ashes.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, while most of their teammates traveled to Brighton for some much needed time in the middle in the tour match against Sussex, Watson and Rogers were training and as a result, bonding in London.

The report further said that the left-hand and right-hand combination, who were picked as openers for the series, have produced partnerships of 19, 84, 42 and 24 from four innings and their dismissals have sparked mini or major collapses on every occasion.

Stating that neither of them could be guaranteed their place if their 'frustrating' run of failing at the top continued, Rogers said that the purpose of his and Watson's London sabbatical was a chance to let them freshen up physically and mentally and prepare for the third Test.

Expressing his frustrations at their conditions, Rogers also said that there were times when they felt that they were losing wickets despite pressurising England, adding that it is important for them and for the side to do a good job at the top of the order.

Rogers further said that he is old enough to know that he will be out of the side if he does not perform as per expectations.