London: Chris Rogers has announced his retirement following the retirement of Michael Clarke after the final Ashes Test match.
“
I think they knew what was in my heart ... I think it's time. It's time for Australian cricket to make a few changes and bring in a few new guys, a few fresh faces.
”
"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 and I have been pretty lucky.
"You are never 100 per cent sure but I felt like this was the last one. There's been a few things, particularly the head issues lately. I am quite happy to call it a day. People tell me you know when you know and I felt like this is the right time."
Rogers said it was gratifying to read recently that one of the national selectors involved in repeatedly overlooking him, renowned youth evangelist Greg Chappell, admitted directly to him that he had erred.
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I think a few people had a certain impression of me [that my success would be limited to domestic level], particularly with my age, and to be able to change that was quite satisfying.I think it was him just saying he had a certain impression of me and he was happy to admit I've proved him wrong. It was a really nice thing to say, nice to hear.
”
Rogers said one of his happiest moments from his unexpected second chance at international cricket was the official start of it: when Lehmann told him he would be opening at the start of the 2013 series. He also cited the 5-0 thrashing of England in the return series in Australia, including "being late for the team celebration and missing the Prime Minister", and the 2014 series victory in South Africa sealed by a hobbling Ryan Harris' late wickets in Cape Town.
Rogers, who will consider still playing county cricket, expressed confidence there are enough talented young batsmen in Australia to pick a replacement from. He said the selectors' biggest challenge would not be deciding on which new batsmen to choose but keeping faith in those they do.
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There's going to be a few young guys picked I imagine, and then it is about having patience with them. I think 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.
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"Someone said to me 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 said.
"It would've been perfect to have won this series but it's not to be. England have been deserving winners and we've been outplayed. I think I can be proud I've played quite well and stood up, and made a little bit of a difference."
Chris Rogers' career
Test: 24 matches, 1972 runs at 42.87; 5 centuries, 14 half-centuries.
Sheffield Shield (started November 1998): 120 matches, 9917 runs at 49.34; 33 centuries, 42 half-centuries.
County (started April 2004): 128 matches, 11,041 runs at 54.39; 32 centuries, 51 half-centuries.
Other first class: 21 matches, 1355 runs at 38.71; 3 centuries, 7 half-centuries.
Source: SMH