The Ashes: Rogers still a doubt despite stepping up his training

Chris Rogers remains a doubt for this week’s third Ashes Test despite stepping up his recovery from a head injury in the Edgbaston nets today.

The 37-year-old damaged his inner ear when he was struck by a James Anderson short ball during the Second Test at Lord’s. Almost 48 hours after that blow, Rogers was forced to retire in Australia’s second innings after complaining of dizziness.

He spent last week with specialists in London but has rejoined his team-mates in the Midlands and trained for nearly an hour in the indoor nets yesterday. He received throw downs from coach Darren Lehmann and faced spinner Nathan Lyon and was monitored closely by team doctor Peter Brukner and physio Alex Kountouris as he finished by running between the wickets.

The opener followed that up by facing Australia’s fast bowlers in Edgbaston’s outdoor nets today.

Dr Brukner is adamant Rogers must prove he is 100 per cent fit due to his history of head injuries.

The batsman was ruled out of his side’s recent Test series in the West Indies with concussion after being struck on the head in the nets.

That came just six months after he had suffered a blow to the back of his helmet while fielding at short leg during the Brisbane Test against India.

It means Shaun Marsh, who replaced Rogers in the Caribbean and scored a century in Australia’s tour match at Derbyshire last week, remains on standby.