Australian opener Chris Rogers has said that his milestone century on Saturday in the fourth Ashes Test in Durham is all the more special after his years of domestic toil without recognition.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Rogers' gritty century at Chester-le-Street not only saved the tourists' bacon but made him the second oldest Australian to reach his first his maiden Test hundred, behind only the 37-year-old Arthur Richardson in 1926.
Recalled in the fourth Test after an appearance five years ago in a decision selectors deserve credit for, the report said that Rogers first international ton was made in only his fifth Test, after being overlooked for years despite churning out what is now upwards of 20,000 first-class runs and 60 centuries.
Stating that no one can take away the feeling of exhilaration that came after scoring the ton, Rogers said that although he cannot talk about the younger players, but for him, the century is special as he had almost given up hoping for such an opportunity, jokingly adding that he can tell his grandchildren about it, if he has any.
According to Rogers, there have been times when sides have been picked without him in them even though he had expected to be selected, adding that it felt like he always had players like Matthew Hayden, Phil Jaques, Simon Katich, Phillip Hughes and Shane Watson coming in his way as an international opener.
However, Rogers expressed his satisfaction at the high standards he set in domestic cricket and the fact that he got to play cricket for a living, saying that he is fortunate that his hoped-for opportunity has finally come along.
Rogers' extensive background in England had been key to his call-up for this tour, and that experience proved vital as he was called on fight to avert catastrophe for an Australian top order shot to pieces by a brilliant spell from England quick Stuart Broad, the report added.
