ROGERS RESPONDS TO PRESSURE IN FIGHTING KNOCK
ADELAIDE (AFP) - Veteran Australia opening batsman Chris Rogers says he spent a sleepless night fretting over his Test career before hitting form against England in the second Ashes Test yesterday.
The 36-year-old, sensing his fledgling Test career could be over unless he posted a high score after a double failure in the first Brisbane Test, compiled a fighting 72 in Australia's first-day 273 for five.
Rogers, who scored one and 16 in Brisbane, faced 167 balls and hit 11 fours in his sturdy knock before he was out attempting to hit nemesis spinner Graeme Swann through the covers, only to be caught behind by Matt Prior.
It was the seventh time Swann has dismissed left-hander Rogers in Tests, but it was a big improvement for the opener after his dismal match in Brisbane.
Asked if he felt the pressure going into the Adelaide Test, Rogers told reporters: “Quite a lot. A bit of a sleepless night last night. At my age, probably two bad games is a bit dangerous.
“So it was important to get some runs on a pretty good wicket today.” Rogers, playing in his eighth Test, was pragmatic about not making an even bigger score or going on to his second century in Test cricket.
“Of course, if you get to that total, you want to go and make it count,” he said.
“But that ball spun from out of nowhere, probably would have got me out quite a few times if I faced it again.
“I felt better today, but he (Swann) still got me out.
“It's still a challenge, no doubt about it. He's a class bowler, particularly against left-handers. Hopefully there's a few more battles to come.”