Australian opening batsman Chris Rogers confirmed on 18 August, that he will retire from test cricket at the end of the current Ashes series in England. Rogers had already indicated that the series would be his last and the 37-year-old told reporters in London he had no reason to change his mind.
Im 38 this month and I feel old. Theres other things to do in life as well, thats important. Ive been lucky enough to play cricket as a living for nearly 20 years, its been amazing and a privilege but everything good comes to an end, he told reporters at a press conference at Lords.
I guess when you get to 37, 38 youre starting to wonder whether your reflexes are standing down or whatever, [Ive] just been hit in the head a few too many times for my liking of late. And facing Mitch Johnson and Mitch Starc in the nets isnt my definition of fun. Im well aware that Father Time was probably calling so Im happy.
Rogers is the oldest member of the current Australian team but has been one of the few to shine in the Ashes, scoring 437 runs at an average of 62.42. He made 173 in the first innings of the second test at Lords, but retired hurt in the second innings, complaining of dizziness after being hit in the head earlier in the match.
After struggling for years to cement a place in the team, the left-hander has been in the best form of his career, in which he has excelled at first-class cricket but managed only 24 test appearances since his debut in 2008.
Rogers admitted that the Australian team were low after they surrendered the Ashes at Trent Bridge where England took an unbeatable 3-1 lead, prompting Australian captain Michael Clarke to also announce he would retire after the fifth test.
Id be lying if I said there wasnt a lot of disappointment amongst the group, we came here to win and weve been outplayed, Rogers said. Its been a difficult week – a lot of guys have felt a bit flat I imagine. All I can say is we are hugely disappointed but saying that this is a big last game, obviously its Michaels retirement as well, but not only that theres places up for grabs in this side and no ones going to be taking that for granted thats for sure.
Rogers said he would take many happy memories away from his time playing for his country. Playing international cricket is just such a privilege and the highs you get, the 170 I scored at Lords is just going to be one of those memories Ill have forever, the 100 I got at Durham where I was in tears after the next over.
Winning the Ashes, winning in South Africa, missing the celebrations, all those kind of magic moments that youll never get again, I think thats going to be the sad part but Ive had enough of them now and I can be happy with that.
