Image courtesy of: Zimbio
“If you do the crime you’ve got to do the time”
Australia opening batsman Chris Rogers has been fined an undisclosed amount for arriving late to the national team’s Ashes reception in Sydney on Wednesday.
Rogers’ late arrival did not impress head coach Darren Lehmann, especially since he worked extremely hard to instill a new attitude and a sense of discipline in the team.
“He has given me a bit of a slap on the wrist,” Rogers said. “If you do the crime you’ve got to do the time and fair enough, I do apologise for being late. Fantastic for so many people to turn up so it probably wasn’t the best, and that’s why I probably had to get up on the dance-floor…[The punishment was] just a fine. We’re keeping it in-house and I think that’s the way to go.”
Moving away from the topic, Rogers admitted to being disappointed about not having the chance to represent the Sydney Thunder in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL).
“I got cut by the Thunder,” he said. “If you get cut by the Thunder, you’re probably struggling.
“I guess I wanted to take this time off anyway, but Twenty20 – I don’t know how people do it, to be honest. I’m probably best watching it on TV.
“I don’t think the Vics [second XI] have got a game so Pat Howard and Darren Lehmann are just making sure there’s a few of us who get cricket, for the right reasons. I look forward to that, and getting to know a few new team-mates.”
Rogers is now looking forward to Australia’s tour of South Africa in February, especially after he finished as the top run-scorer in all ten Ashes Tests.
“Peter Siddle told me that at the end of day two in Sydney and I couldn’t believe it,” Rogers said. “With the amount of quality there is in both sides in the batting order, to be on top was an exceptional achievement, something I’m really proud of.
“I keep surprising myself I think. I keep thinking the body is going to fall away but it’s still going okay and this is the cream on my career. I’m enjoying every moment and don’t want to give it up just yet.”
However, Rogers acknowledged that facing South Africa’s pace trio of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel will be no walk in the park.
“I’ve faced a few of these guys before and I know they’re as good as anyone in the world,” Rogers said. “It’s another huge challenge. Facing Anderson and Broad has been something that has been so enjoyable. Hopefully I can do well and set the boys up well in the next series…If I can do well against these guys then I can say I’ve done well against the best in the world.”