The best of Rogers since Test return

When Chris Rogers returned to the Australian spotlight almost two years ago as a shock selection for the 2013 Ashes, the public were left scratching the head saying “Chris who?”

Two years on, Rogers has answered that question by scoring hundred after hundred at both the international and domestic level, recording some of the gutsiest and most astonishing knocks by an Australian.

Today, the Bushrangers opener posted his 72nd first-class ton in the Bupa Sheffield Shield final, the most by any active player in the world.

“Naturally you have games that you get yourself up for and I’ve been lucky enough to play in some big Ashes matches and the Indian Test series and South African Test series,” Rogers said after play today.

“Shield games are different, but Shield finals are big games.”

It’s hard to choose just a handful of moments from such a decorated career, but here are five of Bucky’s best knocks since he’s returned in the Baggy Green.

Maiden Test ton – Durham, England 2013

Runs: 110 | Balls: 250 | Fours: 14

Image Id: ~/media/39FFDBE96FA04723A003CD8A24444B89

Rogers leaves the field after scoring his maiden Test century // Getty Images

Picked for his extensive knowledge and experience of English conditions, Rogers hadn’t scored a Test ton in his first three matches since he resumed his international career. 

After rolling England for 238 early on day two, Rogers found himself in the middle of a batting collapse to be stranded at 4-76 when Steve Smith was caught behind in the 23rd over. 

But the gritty opener remained, surviving a caught behind decision that was overturned in the batsman’s favour and teamed up with allrounder Shane Watson to hold the hostile hosts at bay. 

When the left-hander reached 85 he entered the uncharted territory of his highest Test score, and would have to wait in almost comical fashion to raise his bat in celebration. 

For 19 nervy balls Rogers was stuck on 96, pegged down by the off-spin of Graeme Swann before pulling a sweep out of nowhere to crunch a boundary and release the pressure, and a few tears, as an Australian Test centurion.

Guiding his side home at the G – Melbourne, Australia 2013

Runs: 116 | Balls: 155 | Fours: 13

Rogers makes MCG his own

Despite being against the same country, Rogers’ second Test ton was against a completely different team. 

Pummelled by Mitchell Johnson and David Warner, the England Rogers faced in Melbourne was barely a shadow of the one he battled with four months earlier. 

Still, the Boxing Day Test was the tourists’ best of the summer, and after leading on first-innings, a five wicket haul to Nathan Lyon set Australia a tricky 231 to win. 

Warner would often supply the fire and Rogers the ice when the pair opened for their nation, but on days three and four, it was the elder statesman who came out of the blocks with a full head of steam to see their roles reversed. 

His 73-ball half-century put England on the ropes, and when he reached triple figures in front of 38,522 fans at his adopted home, Rogers added the fourth nail in Old Enemy’s coffin for the summer.

Standing tall in South Africa – Port Elizabeth, South Africa 2014

Runs: 107 | Balls: 237 | Fours: 12

Image Id: ~/media/30AEDE06BB08461191398A47826B1E41

Rogers raises the bat for another Test ton, this time in Port Elizabeth // Getty Images

Set a daunting 448 to win with more than five sessions to bat, Rogers conceded after the match he thought walking out to bat for the second innings would be the last time he did so in the Baggy Green. 

Warner and Rogers started positively, putting on 126 for the first wicket before the tame right-arm off-spin of JP Duminy trapped dynamic the New South Welshmen to spark an avalanche of wickets on day four at St George’s Park. 

Warner’s wicket exposed the middle order to the reverse-swinging ball, one which is near impossible to combat when starting an innings. 

While others fell around him, Rogers stood strong, defying the likes of Daly Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander to the point where Proteas captain Graeme Smith was almost happy to concede a single to the 36-year-old to allow his charges to attack the vulnerable new batsmen. 

A clip through mid-wicket off Philander brought a century and the satisfaction that he could score runs against the best in the business.

The greatest innings – Lord’s, England 2014

Runs: 241 | Balls: 290 | Fours: 37

Chris Rogers 241 not out for Middlesex highlights

When your team is set 472 to win, you play for a draw and most likely lose. 

If you chase it down it’s a miracle. If you do it only three down, it’s, well, fairy tale stuff. 

And if you’re the captain and finish 241 not out, you pretty much never have to buy a beer at the clubhouse again. 

Rogers did just that batting for Middlesex against Yorkshire in April last year. 

Rogers seemingly did it with ease, his men got the runs in a little over 100 overs, racing to the victory target in what the man himself called "the greatest innings I've hit."

Signing off in style? – Hobart, Australia 2015

Runs: 112 | Balls: 178 | Fours: 14

Two days before the Bupa Sheffield Shield final, Rogers gave himself no chance of playing. 

The veteran injured his glute in the previous match, and 48 hours out from the biggest game of the season the Cricket Victoria medical staff gave him next to no hope of playing. 

But in cricket, two days is a long time. In some instances, it’s half a match. 

Nothing was going to stop Buck Rogers from playing in what could be his final outing for the Bushrangers, and he didn’t disappoint, scoring his 72nd first-class century and almost ensuring his side will win its 29th Shield trophy. 

It was vintage Rogers: surgical on the front foot, slashing off the back and selective when any bowler probed near his stumps.