Gritty Victorian opener Chris Rogers scored a ton of patience which compels Test selectors to return the favour.
Rogers struck 103 not out for the Bushrangers against South Australia on Monday which will likely save his Test career.
The 37-year-old anchored Victoria’s 1-201 in reply to South Australia’s 8(dec)-431 on day two of the Sheffield Shield match in Adelaide.
Rogers faced 190 deliveries in his patient knock, which comes as his Test opening berth is under question.
The left-hander’s poor recent series against Pakistan returned 88 runs at an average of 22, leading to some critics calling his axing from the Test team.
But Rogers has replied with his only currency – runs – ahead of the four-Test series against India starting on December 4.
And he did it in customary determined style – never flashy, but ever-reliable.
Rogers grafted his 71st first-class century. The most animated he became during the knock was when his opening partner Rob Quiney was given out for 52.
The pair produced a 130-run opening stand which ended when Quiney got a leading edge to an Adam Zampa legspinner.
The ball floated back to Zampa who claimed a low-down catch.
Rogers thought the ball didn’t carry to Zampa and repeatedly gesticulated his belief, initially to South Australians and then umpires.
But Rogers’ protests were to no avail, yet he soon regained his calm demeanour to blunt SA’s bowlers.
Earlier, the Redbacks declared some 20 minutes before lunch with Callum Ferguson top-scoring with 140 and Tim Ludeman making 106, his second first-class ton.
After the centurions were out, Redbacks captain Johan Botha (40 not out), Joe Mennie (36) and Adam Zampa (33 from 12 balls) went on a quest for rapid runs – SA scored 127 runs in 100 minutes in the morning session.
Test quick Peter Siddle was the pick of the Bushrangers’ bowlers, taking 2-54 from 23 overs, with Chris Tremain (2-81) and spinner Jon Holland (2-92) other multiple wicket-takers.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
The author left out the fact that Rogers nicked three through the sips cordon in his first 50, so he wasn't really "ever-reliable" for the first half of his innings. But he looked in great touch after that, and he should have batted himself back into form.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Rogers is an Australian hero.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Yeah fair enough. It's a tough one.
Nudge
Guest
Buggered if I know that's why I asked you
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
A. I think he's gotta play next Shield match. See how he goes, then play him in the first test if he does well. He's a genius on the GABA, I'm just not sure he's bowling 100% yet, so I wouldn't go B. No need to rush him back into the test team, and he should be playing as much Shield as possible in the meantime. Bringing him in for Adelaide could be a bit rough, but if we need him anywhere, it's there. What would you do?
Nudge
Guest
So what do you reckon they do with him from here Tom? These are the options. With one more shield game left before the first test, with the shield game finishing I think around 5 days before the first test you could either A- play him in the next shield game which would mean he will have 3 games in 3 weeks including the test, plus more with 3 tests remaining. B- don't worry about playing him next shield game and just get him cherry ripe with training and play in the first test. C- rest him for next shield game and play him the following shield game which is around the same time as first test, and then play him in Adelaide for his return
twodogs
Guest
Actually, I will rescind that, it's time to let him go now.
twodogs
Guest
Hi Matt.I definitely would not argue against Fergusons inclusion. Being a nswelshman, I had high hopes for CF a few years back although from a rival state.. An excellent player. Injury has stifled his progress but he's back as good as ever. Just on the Marsh thing- young Mitch Marsh has one of the best techniques I've ever witnessed. Also though I reckon he may have something to back up the phrase 'great technique'. Geez he's a big bugger isn't he?
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Bowled almost 20 overs too. Seems to have his fitness up.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
That's what two all rounders are for? give the strike bowlers a break?
Nudge
Guest
Good to hear
Shortfineleg
Guest
And Harris gets 3 wickets at Gabba! Last 2 in order, meaning he is on a hat trick in second innings.
Joel
Roar Rookie
This idea that players are under pressure and intense scrutiny and that the selectors are just waiting for a failure to justify dropping them etc. is absolute garbage. This is the second article on the roar today for two different players suggesting they are struggling to keep their spot when there is absolutely nothing to support that view. I would like the author of the article to provide his sources of said information suggesting that Rogers could have lost his spot before Brisbane. Do you have anything to show Steve?
Nudge
Guest
Spot on sideline he has done a great job for Australia. His position for the entire series was never in doubt. He will go to England for sure, and at the moment he is clearly the fourth best batsman in the country
Matt
Roar Rookie
What these guys said. Ferguson has average over 50 since his return from injury, and like the article is pointing out, it's not like picking based on other factors than runs is working out better for the Australian team. Go get the guys who have been scoring consistently in shield the past 2 to 3 years and chuck them in the middle order for 4 tests to see what happens. No more Shaun Marsh 'technique' picks, no more Maxwell 'x-factor' picks, no more middling all-rounders, just a genuine bat.
jameswm
Guest
Do you think we need 3 strike quicks? Do we need one to do donkey work, like Siddle does? I'd pick Bird for that spot but with him unavailable and Siddle a little down on form, I'm think Hazlewood's a shot.
jameswm
Guest
Casper Ferguson is 29. He's never played a test as Dan ced (I mean said), and when given a go in ODIs, has done very well.
jammel
Guest
Great to see Rogers bed down his spot. He'll play in Brisbane. Sounds like Clarke will too (that's the latest I've heard anyway). So I think we will probably be going with: Rogers Warner Watson Clarke Smith MMarsh Haddin Johnson Starc Harris Lyon
Dan Ced
Roar Rookie
I'm of the opinion that Watto should go now, too many LBW's, can't bowl much.. Marsh has taken the torch. I like him but Watto seems like he has some batting to offer sometimes but not often enough. I'd be inclined to pick Klinger or Ferguson in that no. 3 spot, and Cooper or Burns at 4. I'd like Sayers in the squad but you'd think Hazelwood/Harris will get in there. Starc will probably start. I"d probably put in O'Keefe over Lyon, I'm getting bored of Lyon.
Dan Ced
Roar Rookie
Huh? Ferguson hasn't played Test Cricket! He was only left out of the ODI squad due to a long term injury. Burns is almost there, almost, I'm starting to put him in my fantasy squads. I don't have a drama with picking a player for a test series then reassessing form of the team, and the shield before the next test to make sure we have the best, in form, mix of players. You can't discount players like Hartley or Klinger that are performing right now, we've made too many mistakes with youngsters. It's time to put in dependable players rather than long term prospects.