As a man who thrives under pressure, the Test series decider against South Africa at Newlands looms as Chris Rogers’ perfect match.
When Australia travel to Cape Town on Tuesday, Rogers will be one of few in the squad with last-start form to his name.
The 36-year-old played one of the greatest innings of his life in the second Test in Port Elizabeth, scoring 107 as teammates folded meekly in an incredible collapse of 9-62.
Rogers suggested it was fear of the axe, after scores of 5, 4 and 1 on tour, that helped deliver his best.
“I’m not stupid. I knew full well that I was under pressure,” said Rogers, who has now scored tons in three of his past four Tests.
“You can’t perform the way I had for Australia, particularly when we’re doing well.
“I knew I was under pressure and that Shane (Watson) was a good chance to play in the last game.
“In some respects I stopped worrying. I thought ‘whatever happens, happens’.”
It’s an attitude Rogers rarely takes.
Riding every high and low that has followed an unexpected return to the Test side for last year’s Ashes series in England, he has never felt comfortable.
“I guess I’m probably one of the players who performs a bit better when there’s extra pressure for some reason and it’s helped,” he said.
“But it’s not a healthy thing, it’s quite stressful and it’d be nice if I could be a little more consistent and take the pressure off.”
That was never going to happen against Dale Steyn, whose terrific four-over spell on Sunday Rogers rated as the best exhibition of reverse-swing he had ever seen.
“It almost becomes like French cricket, just trying to defend as hard as you can,” he said.
“I don’t think he was as threatening to the left-handers … but to the right-handers that was lethal. the ball was swinging unbelievably,” Rogers added, playing down his ability to see off Steyn.
Rogers said the side had yet to undertake a postmortem of the 231-run loss, but would be happy to impart any reverse-swing wisdom he’s gained from 259 first-class matches.
“There are certain things that I think I can help other guys with, maybe playing a bit of reverse -swing,” he said.
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