Chris Rogers shaky form could see his dream of farewell Ashes series in England disappear Australian batsman Chris Rogers walks off the pitch after being dismissed. AUSTRALIAN opener Chris Rogers looked like a man losing his religion while trudging off a parched Abu Dhabi surface in Australia's first innings against Pakistan. Rogers is a likable cricket nut with the coveted dream of an Ashes farewell against England next year. Rogers hasn't been Australia's worst batsman here but the left-hander's hold on a union at the top of the order with David Warner is more tenuous after 86 runs at 28 in three innings this series. Since winning a belated baggy green Rogers has talked of the fear and paranoia dual failures bring opening for Australia at age 37. Michael Slater was chopped by selectors six years younger averaging 42 while Rogers is averaging 37 in his 16th Test. Pakistani bowler Imran Khan celebrates after dismissing Chris Rogers. The frustration was written all over Rogers departing for five as Australia mounted a reply to Pakistan's mammoth 6-570 (dec). This tour has already claimed one batting casualty, Alex Doolan, gone after averaging 23 in four Tests. While Rogers can struggle against spin, it's Pakistan's medium pacers who have claimed the veteran each innings - twice bowled in Dubai. Rogers has exited twice to rookie Imran Khan and once to Rahat Ali - highlighting how tough it is to arrive on tour rusty, without a hit for three weeks and excel. Rogers must survive a four-Test series against India and its feisty spinners to reach another Ashes tour and conditions he's thrived in for nearly two decades. Warner loves batting with Rogers and enjoys his company off field - just the balancing influence the New South Welshman needed on his return to the side after disciplinary issues. Rogers has stabilised a wayward Australian unit, making 1097 runs at 39 since a recall against England in Nottingham last year but runs will remain his lifeline. Phil Hughes has had plenty of time in the nets in the UAE. Circling the wagon again is Shane Watson, looking for an avenue back into the Test side and publicly claiming that opening is his best suit. Rookie all-rounder Mitchell Marsh deserves retention after an impressive debut series against Pakistan, leaving a top-order slot as Watson's only way back. Phil Hughes is also on this tour, avoiding the carnage unfolding in a pending series loss while on drinks duties. Selectors face a decision whether to give Rogers a final mission to England or invest in a younger alternative. Watson's value to Australia's Test line-up has been underlined against Pakistan. Watson might be brittle but he can get the breakthroughs and reverse swing that Australia hasn't managed this tour. Someone needs to do the business here with Australia leaking 1310 runs for just 17 wickets this series while the batting must lift a gear ahead of a bumper home summer. Originally published as Rogers" Ashes dream under threat