“THE grandstand is moving.”

It was this comment from a panicked Chris Rogers during his sudden dizzy spell at Lord’s that rattled David Warner, who had come to his aid.

At the start of the Test match, English commentators pushed a rumour that Australia’s opening partnership can’t stand each other’s company, but in a dramatic second innings, the pair proved you don’t need to always read off the same hymn sheet to share a tight bond.

When the openers brought up their latest 100-run stand Warner extended a hand to Rogers in the middle and implored the veteran to reconsider his retirement plans.

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Then second over of the next morning when Rogers, who has a history of concussion, went wobbly on his feet, Warner brought calm to a potentially alarming situation until medical help arrived.

“That was bizarre. I came down the wicket and I had to look twice because I didn’t really know what was going on and with all the talk of him and me not getting along I thought it was just him not wanting to come and talk to me,” Warner said, before turning serious.

“He actually said to me, ‘the grandstand is moving’ and I said, ‘no it’s not’.

“I was worried.

“I had no idea what was going on and so was he (worried).

“He said, ‘I don’t know what’s happening here,’ so I said, ‘just sit down.’”

Tests have cleared Rogers of concussion symptoms at this point, however after missing two Tests in the West Indies after being struck by a bouncer in the nets — this latest incident suffered as a result of being hit by a Jimmy Anderson bouncer may still make the 37-year-old think about his long-term health.

media_camera David Warner looks on Chris Rogers is helped from the field.

Rogers was fairly clear before the series that he would hang up the gloves after the Ashes campaign, however he has started the tour in career-best form with a 95 in Cardiff and a big 173 at Lord’s.

Warner says he and the man nine years his senior may share little in common off the field, but that Rogers is the best opening partner he’s ever known.

“When we put on the hundred partnership in the second innings I came down the wicket and shook his hand and said, ‘mate, you can’t leave me,’” said Warner.

“He just laughed.

“He is playing with freedom, he’s playing with a clear mind and I don’t know what he’s said in the papers about his career afterwards, but he’s on a mission to score as many runs as he can and that’s the positive attitude he brings to the table with his experience.

“He is in a great frame of mind at the moment.

“He said the other day he is playing his best to date for Australia.

“I would love him to go on but he will know when it’s time.

“It’s quite funny, obviously in Australia we talk about yin and yang, two different people.

“As in, he reads a lot of books and I wouldn’t read a book.

“I have no idea where the (dislike rumours) have come from, but it doesn’t help when your mates like Brad Haddin stir the porridge a little bit and tell people we actually don’t like each other.”

In regards to Haddin, Warner has stood up for his ‘mentor’ as the veteran wicketkeeper fights to regain his place behind the stumps for the third Test in Birmingham.

Due to personal reasons, Haddin missed the last Test, and after replacement Peter Nevill starred on debut, selectors now face a tough call whether to go back to experience or put their faith in the future.

media_camera Chris Rogers sits with Ryan Harris on the Lord’s balcony after retiring hurt.

Warner described Haddin as a ‘father figure’ of the team and said alongside Michael Clarke and Steve Smith, the 37-year-old gloveman remained an important part of the leadership dynamic.

“You look at how many New South Wales players there are in the Australian team, and growing up as a kid playing with Brad in first grade and in the NSW set-up he’s almost like your father figure,” he said.

“He gets that extra 10 per cent, 20 per cent, 30 per cent out of the individuals, whether it’s running up sand hills (or anything) … if Brad Haddin’s there you’ve got to do it.

“That’s our mentality, that’s how we’ve always been brought up.

“He’s that leader and we’ll basically do anything to follow in his path.

“His knowledge of the game is exceptional and when you’ve got a captain whose brain is amazing out in the field and you’ve Brad Haddin out there and a young guy vice-captain Smithy who’s learning from these guys as well, it’s bringing a wealth of knowledge to the table.

“His experience is unbelievable for us and it’s enormous.”