Ashes 2015: Chris Rogers officially confirms Test retirement

Ashes 2015: Chris Rogers officially confirms Test retirement: The fifth and the final Ashes Test match will commence from Thursday at the Kia Oval. This Ashes 2015 has been dominated by the wrath of the English side who have regained the Ashes as they have an inaccessible lead of 3-1 in the 5-match series. If we talk about the Aussies then the 37-year-old Chris Rogers has been the only positive for the tourists. But, the Oval Test is set to be his last international appearance as well.

Before the beginning of the series Chris had announced his retirement decision. But, today he officially confirmed that the 5^th Ashes Test will be his last Test match and he has no plans of changing his decision. Chris Rogers is the second highest run-getter of the ongoing Ashes 2015 series. He has accumulated 437 runs in the series so far at an average of 62. He is the highest run-scorer for the Australian side.

Ahead of the 5^th Ashes Test Chris Rogers said, “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. You are never 100 per cent. There’s been a few things, particularly the head issues lately, so I am quite happy to call it a day. It’s time for Australian cricket to make a few changes and bring in a few new guys, a few fresh faces. It’s going to be a challenging time, particularly for the new guys but that’s part of it sure, but I felt like this (Test starting at The Oval on Thursday) was the last one.”

Rogers mainly rose in international cricket after turning 35. He said that, “I think you never stop learning. I look back to when I was my mid-20s, and I still had so much to learn about my game. That’s not to say I couldn’t play at that age, but I have only got better over time. It’s wrong to discount those guys who are getting better. I look at ‘Maxy’ (Michael) Klinger and I think he is one guy who looks like he is still learning the game and wanting to get better. Greg Chappell said to me a few months back that he was wrong about me, and I was quite proud of that. I think a few people had a certain impression of me, particularly with my age, and to be able to change that was quite satisfying.”

“There’s going to be a few young guys picked I imagine and then it is about having patience with them. They are going to go through tough times because international cricket is very difficult, so it’s whether the selectors can be patient enough and stick with them. It’s going to be interesting. I think you do need to bring some youth in, it’s how much they (selectors) bring in and whether they want to keep the likes of Adam (Voges) or whoever. “It’s a really tough one for the selectors,” Rogers said.

Chris Rogers has been in excellent touch off-late and is currently 9^th  ranked batsmen in ICC Test rankings. The Australian southpaw said, “I think I’m ahead of Davey Warner as well – you can write that one,” Rogers said of his opening partner who is currently ranked 11, and with whom he has forged a strong bond despite their markedly contrasting ages, techniques and characters”.

Rogers is ending his career on a high. Reflecting how things have turned up for him, he said, “It’s kind of bittersweet. It’s pretty special, someone said to me, (because) not many people go out when they’re scoring runs or taking wickets, it’s generally not how it happens, so that’s something to be proud of as well.”

He also shed light on Australia’s dismal performance and also praised the English side for their terrific run this summer. He said that, “It would’ve been perfect to have won this (Ashes) series, but it’s not to be – England have been deserving winners and we’ve been outplayed. But I think I can be proud that I’ve played quite well and stood up, and made a little bit of a difference.”