The truth is out there...

So we now know the story behind Chris Rogers' non appearance in Derbyshire colours so far this season and on the face of it we'll not see him some time soon.

Full marks to Peakview on the club's fans message board "In Morris We Trust", who found the following article in The West Australian newspaper. The link to it is

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuId=4&ContentID=138048

For those who can't be bothered, here's the text below:

"Chris Rogers’ bid to take part in this year’s Ashes has been stymied by a delay in his UK work visa, leaving him languishing in Perth for nearly a month.

The record-breaking former WA opener, who played one Test against India last year, hoped to use his stint with county team Derbyshire to strengthen his claims for a return to the Australian team.

But the refusal of the British High Commission to issue him with a skilled worker visa has prevented Rogers travelling to England.

He has sought the support of Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, a keen cricket fan, to help him complete the documentation.

“It has been very frustrating,” Rogers said yesterday. “I have got a valid contract, I am entitled to a visa but the delays in issuing it have meant I am stuck in Perth rather than playing with Derbyshire.

“My view is that if I am scoring runs in county cricket, the national selectors will have a reason to consider me for the Ashes but it won’t do me any good if I am not playing.”

Rogers’ problems started when he supplied the High Commission in Canberra with copies — rather than originals — of a bank statement showing he had the required £800 deposited in an England bank.

His application was denied on April 16 but he was not told until April 21, a week after the county season started.

Rogers has reapplied but was told the visa application would take 25 days to process. He will also have to provide new biometric data, such as fingerprints and iris scans, for a new electronic identity card.

“It seems to be an unforgiving or inflexible system,” Rogers said. “I am not sure why they did not make one phone call to me to confirm I had to supply originals of the required documentation rather than wait until the end of the processing period.

“I know Derbyshire have tried to get their local MP to pursue things at their end while I have been in contact with Stephen Smith’s office to see if he can help.”

Mr Smith is at Gallipoli for Anzac Day but a spokesman said Rogers’ case was being considered.

Derbyshire have signed Stuart Law, who is now a UK resident, as a short term replacement."

So...

The Derby Telegraph now say that following the intervention of local MPs with the Australian government that Rogers may be here in time for the game at Northampton next weekend. I hope so, because his presence after a winter of high scoring will be a great asset. There's been a few mistakes made along the way, but there's no real damage at this stage. Just as long as he does get here...