Australian Test opener Chris Rogers has said that David Warner would be his ideal opening partner for the Ashes series, but to book his spot, he needs to make some Sheffield Shield runs.
According to The Age, the likely Test opening pair will be opponents this week, when Victoria host NSW in the MCG Shield game, which starts on Wednesday.
Rogers, who performed strongly in the mid-year Ashes series in England, appears certain to keep his place for the home series, the report said.
However, while Warner fired in the recent domestic one-day series, he failed twice with the bat in the Blues' first Shield game against Tasmania, the report added.
With a cloud hanging over Test No.3 Shane Watson, who injured a hamstring in the final one-day international against India, Rogers said it was vital that Warner started making runs, the report further said.
Rogers said, ideally, he would like to bat with Warner, as his fellow left-hander's aggression made it easier for a natural defensive player such as himself.
Rogers also said it would be enormously important for Australia's chances if Watson could take his place for the first Test at the Gabba.
