“That night I was pretty upset so I just wasn’t sure which way to go”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Australia opener Chris Rogers has revealed that he considered retiring after being hit on the helmet during the second Test against India in Brisbane.

Rogers was fielding at short leg when he was hit on the back of the helmet while trying to avoid a sweep shot played by India batsman Rohit Sharma.

“It was an interesting time after what happened with Phil [Hughes],” Rogers told SEN. “There are a lot of guys who are finding it pretty hard. Mortality hadn’t really been an issue in the game. I fielded at short leg on the last day in the Test when Michael Clarke got injured in Adelaide, and I took one on the hip there, and I didn’t do very well [with the bat], so I wasn’t happy with my own form.

“Then we went up to Brisbane and day one I was under there and Rohit Sharma swept one and he hit me in the back of the helmet, and it’s only inches away from where Phil got hit. So you just have different thoughts go through your head. That night I was pretty upset so I just wasn’t sure which way to go. I had to speak to a few people close to me.”

However, Rogers would have been pleased with his decision to carry on as he went on to score six consecutive half-centuries.

Rogers also noted that he is looking forward to the Ashes in England this year since it is likely to be his last international series before he retires.

“You never say never, but it might be a nice way to round my career out,” Rogers said. “I’ve played a lot over in England, it would mean a lot to me. But also, I think, looking forward for the Australian side, there’s got to be a time when they start to rebuild the side, and maybe with the Tests that are on next summer there might be a little bit less pressure and it might be the ideal time for a younger guy to come in and get some experience.

“I can see the writing on the wall with that as well, but also I think time is nearly up for me. I’m getting on and maybe there’s other things to do in life.”