Ashes Series: England v Australia - Fourth Test (Day 2) at Chester Le Street

Chris Rogers scores first ever century for Australia

England 238 lead by Australia 225-5 by 13 runs (England lead series 2-0)

It was a memorable day for Chris Rogers who scored his first ever century for Australia. Earlier in the day England failed to add to their first innings score as Jackson Bird bowled Anderson and England out for 238. However, the morning belonged to Stuart Broad who took three wickets which left Australia 49-3. Rogers and Smith were able to guide the visitors to 75-3 at the lunch break. Shortly after play resumed, Smith edged behind off the bowling of Tim Bresnan as Australia fell to 76-4. Chris Rogers and Shane Watson put Australia back on track with an afternoon fifty partnership as Rogers passed his fifty to leave Australia 148-4 at Tea. Watson completed his fifty during the evening session before putting on a century stand with Rogers. Broad struck again to dismiss Watson after edging behind for 68 as Australia passed 200 runs. The moment of the day came at 211-5 as Rogers converted his first century for Australia, much to the appreciation of the whole ground of supporters. Rogers and Haddin were able to bat out the rest of the day to leave Australia 225-5 and trail by England by 13 runs.

My Opinion:

A great sporting moment when Rogers completed his maiden century. Very pleased for him on a personal note but disappointed with the England performance today. They failed to add any runs this morning after lasting only nine minutes. It looked as if Broad was going to rip apart the Australian batting line up after taking three early wickets but Rogers and Watson put on a gritty display. You have to give credit to the way both Rogers and Watson stuck in against the English bowling attack. Their 100 run strong partnership was definitely a turning point in the match and puts Australia on top of this fourth Test. I expect Australia to reach 350 runs but England really need to get Rogers out early to limit the damage.



Match Guide: Key Moments:

Morning Session:

11.09: 238 all out, Anderson 16 (16), 4 fours, bowled by Bird. Bresnan 12*(49), 1 four.

Australia First Innings:

11.35: 12-1, Warner 3 (7), bowled by Broad.
11.45: 12-2, Khawaja 0 (6), caught Prior, Broad.
12.30: 49-3, Clarke 6 (18), 1 four, caught Cook, Broad.
12.36: 52-3, Rogers 33*, Smith 3*.
13.01: Lunch, 75-3, Rogers 41*, Smith 13*.

Afternoon Session:

13.47: 76-4, Smith 17 (34), 3 fours, caught Prior, Bresnan.
14.13: 90-4, 50 for Rogers.
14.29: 103-4, Rogers 57*, Watson 8*.
14.59: 126-4, 50 partnership between Rogers 64* and Watson 24*.
15.40: Tea, 148-4, Rogers 71*, Watson 38*.

Evening Session:

16.04: 151-7, Rogers 71*, Watson 40*.
16.36: 171-4, 50 for Watson off 98 balls.
16.44: 177-4, 100 partnership between Rogers and Watson.
17.12: 203-4, Rogers 96*, Watson 66*.
17.29: 205-5, Watson 68 (134), 7 fours, caught Prior, Broad.
17.40: 211-5, 100 for Rogers.
17.59: Close of play, 222-5, Rogers 101*, Haddin 12*. Australia trail by 16 runs.

Player of the Day: Chris Rogers for scoring his first ever century for Australia.

Bowler of the Day: Stuart Broad for taking four wickets. 

Batsmen of the Day: Chris Rogers for an unbeaten 101 runs.

Disappointment of the Day: England only prolonging their first innings for a further nine minutes this morning.