Rogers' English experience asset for Oz in Ashes: Hussey

Sydney: Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey has given his blessing to the surprising Ashes selection of veteran player Chris Rogers, saying that his vast experience in English conditions will be an asset for Australia.

Rogers, who had scored 19,000-plus first-class runs at an average of 50, was named in the 16-man Ashes squad on Wednesday, and could play his first Test since his debut, against India, in January 2008. Lauding the selection of the Ashes squad, Hussey said that Rogers has been one of the most prolific first-class players in Australia over many years and has earned an opportunity with his selection, adding that his experience in the English conditions will help his team to a great extent. Dismissing critics` labeling of Rogers`s selection as a symptom of Australia`s barren stock of Test-standard young batsmen, Hussey said that age should not be a factor when choosing Test sides, a point which he stressed regarding Rogers. Prolific seasons at Western Australia and, later, Victoria, and English county cricket earned Rogers Test selection at 30, although following his four and 15 in that match in Perth, he was banished, and by season``s end had lost his Cricket Australia contract, the report added. ANI