Christopher John Llewellyn Rogers, known as Chris Rogers, is a former Australian cricketer who made a name for himself as an accomplished left-handed opener. Born on August 31, 1977, in New South Wales, Australia, Rogers enjoyed a successful career spanning over 15 years at both the state and county level.
Although Rogers faced the possibility of losing his Cricket Victoria contract in 2012, he worked hard to prove his worth and eventually added another dozen caps to the single Test cap he received six years earlier. His experience and consistency as a run-scorer did not go unnoticed, and he was chosen to play a significant part in two Ashes series, including the memorable 2013-14 whitewash of England.
Rogers’ selection for the 2013 Ashes series in England was a strategic move by the Australian cricket team, seeking some much-needed experience following the retirements of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey. Having played for four first-class counties in England, including Middlesex, Rogers was familiar with English conditions, making him an ideal choice for the team. His batting prowess and determination were evident when he became the second-oldest Australian to score a maiden Test century, defying difficult seaming conditions at Chester-le-Street.
The year 2013 marked a turning point in Rogers’ career, as he firmly established himself as a valuable member of the Australian team. He showcased his batting skills in the final two Ashes Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, scoring centuries in both matches. His exceptional performances earned him the distinction of being the leading scorer from either team across the back-to-back Ashes series.
Rogers’ journey to the Test team had been a long and arduous one. Prior to 2013, he had often found himself behind several other talented openers in the selection queue. Nonetheless, his professionalism and dedication to the sport grew over the years, bolstered by his extensive experience playing county cricket in England. From 2004 onwards, Rogers represented various counties, including Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Middlesex, and Somerset. It was during his county career that he achieved the rare feat of scoring a double-century against his own country while playing for Leicestershire in 2005.
In addition to his cricketing abilities, Rogers possesses a strong pedigree in the sport. His father, John Rogers, represented New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield during the late 1960s and later became a respected cricket administrator, holding the position of general manager of the Western Australian Cricket Association. Rogers’ own promising career began when he was selected for the Australian Under-19 side in 1996, but it took nearly two decades for him to realize his full potential and secure a permanent spot in the Test team.
Despite being short-sighted and color blind, which occasionally posed challenges for him on the field, Rogers never let these obstacles hinder his performance. Known for his thoughtfulness, intelligence, and high standards, he retired from first-class cricket in 2016 after coming close to leading Somerset to their first Championship title.
Throughout his career, Rogers proved that age is no barrier when it comes to success in cricket. His unwavering determination and ability to adapt to different conditions allowed him to emerge as a formidable opener, and his contributions to the Australian cricket team will be remembered for years to come.
