There's no reason one of Australia's most inexperienced Test opening partnerships in history can't click instantly, according to Chris Rogers.
Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch will open the batting in Australia's four-Test series opener against India, which starts in Adelaide on Thursday.
Harris will be on debut while Finch is playing his first Test on home soil, having been recently presented with his baggy green in Dubai.
Australia haven't fielded a more inexperienced opening pair, in terms of Tests innings, since 1979.
That combination of Bruce Laird and Julien Wiener was more mature than their numbers suggested, with the former having played two years of World Series Cricket.
Harris has opened with Finch in the Big Bash League (BBL) but not the Sheffield Shield, where the latter has generally batted in the middle order for Victoria.
Rogers' 41 partnerships with David Warner produced a total of 2,053 Test runs, the fourth highest total by an Australian opening pair.
Much was made of the alliance given their contrasting personalities and batting styles but there was no questioning their results.
"It can click straight away. If you get the right synergy with someone, it can be there almost from as soon as you start," Rogers told AAP.
"I'm not sure there is some mythical connection between two openers... They've shared a change room a lot, so I reckon they'll have a pretty good connection already."
Harris suggested Finch's presence will settle him.
"If he's running between the wickets like he does in the Big Bash, I'd want to have my long spikes on," Harris said after he as named in the Test squad.
Rogers, who like Harris kicked on after shifting from Perth to Melbourne, also faced India on Test debut and urged the 26-year-old to enjoy the occasion.
"The first Test is almost the one you can't remember. Because everything happens in such a blur," Rogers said.
"The outside influence is a lot bigger for that first game, even things like trying to sort tickets for family and friends.
"What I like about Marcus is the fact his tempo has been really consistent, he seems to shape his innings in a pretty similar manner every time.
"That's what a good opening batsman does."
Captain Tim Paine said Harris thoroughly deserved his chance.
"He'll play his shots but he has also really improved his defence," Paine said.
Share
