ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):

A concussion has put opener Chris Rogers out of the first Test against West Indies, after he was struck by a short ball from a net bowler during training.

The 37-year-old took a blow on the helmet from an unnamed local bowler on Sunday and while he continued the net session, he then complained of headaches and dizziness overnight.

He subsequently underwent a SCAT-3 concussion test on Monday which he failed, and was subsequently informed by team doctor Peter Brukner in a meeting with captain Michael Clarke and coach Darren Lehmann, that he would be sitting out the Test.

"This is a black and white rule now. If someone is concussed they don't play. We used to believe concussion was a relatively insignificant condition and I think now all the evidence shows that we've got to take it much more seriously," Brukner said.

serious approach

"Cricket Australia is similar to the football codes in that we are adopting that more serious approach."

He added: "It's a not insignificant thing to rule someone out of a Test match. We don't do this lightly. But my first priority and Cricket Australia's first priority is to the individual player and his health.

"He was very disappointed and tried to talk me around as they do, but I've spoken to the players and explained the decision to them. That's our policy and it won't be any different no matter who the player is."

Head injuries have taken centre stage in cricket ever since batsman Philip Hughes died after being struck by a short pitched delivery during a first-class game in Australia last November.