Cricket

Australia: Chris Rogers to retire after Ashes 2015

Australian opener Chris Rogers has confirmed that he will retire from Test cricket after the conclusion of the 2015 Ashes series this week.

The 37-year-old veteran, who has been country’s leading run-scorer in the current Ashes series, confirmed to coach Darren Lehman and the management that he would be call time on his Test career after disappointing Ashes campaign.

“I think it is time, I have had an amazing couple of years playing for Australia and enjoyed it and been part of some pretty special things but everything comes to an end and I have been pretty lucky,” Rogers said.

“You are never 100% sure but I felt like this was the last one, there’s been a few things, particularly the head issues lately, I am quite happy to call it a day.

“People tell me you know when you know and I felt like this is the right time.”

Rogers, who made his Test debut against India in 2008, has played 24 Tests at an average of 42.86 and a highest score of 173, which was made during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Rogers will forever be remembered along with a few others as someone who was hardly done by when it comes to test selection. With almost 25,000 first class runs at an average of 50, this would mean for most, an illustrious test career. Years of being overlooked only spurred Chris on more and his ability to churn out runs in the Australian domestic competition and the English County competition was phenomenal.

Even harder to believe is the fact that Rogers is short-sighted and colorblind which can occasionally effect his ability to see the red ball. Batting is hard enough for most, but Bucky just kept on chipping away. Old fashioned, reserved and gritty, memories of Rogers will mainly include his ability to occupy the crease and accumulate runs, something which in this modern era of big hitters and big personalities will be sorely missed.

Skipper Michael Clarke will also be playing his final Test this week, having announced his retirement from international cricket after England regain the Ashes urn at Trent Bridge.

The fifth and the final Ashes Test gets underway at the Oval on Thursday.