Rogers feeling the heat

Rogers posted scores of just one and 16 as Australia’s top order wobbled in both innings, and he has averaged just 15 in his past four first-class innings. Runs have been hard to come by for the 36-year-old since his breakthrough maiden century at Chester-le-Street in the fourth Test of the northern summer’s Ashes series.

His cheap dismissals in Brisbane, both times falling to England spearhead Stuart Broad, were papered over by the rear guard contributions of Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson in the first innings, and the Australian middle-order in the second.

And by the clinical performance of Australia’s pace bowlers when England batted.

But with recently deposed Test batsman Phil Hughes scoring a century over the weekend to follow his recent double-century for South Australia, Rogers knows that runs in Adelaide are essential to help keep the selectors’ hot breath from his collar.

"I didn't contribute in the first game as much as I'd like to so it would be nice to get some runs in this game, for sure," he said today.

"You always feel pressure, but you have just got to enjoy it as well.

"I want to be here the whole series and score runs. That is my job, so I probably can't afford too many failures."

Rogers said that while he was yet to inspect the pitch that awaits at the newly-redeveloped Adelaide Oval, he had received reports that it was similar to many other drop-in pitches in that it was likely to offer true if slower bounce and not break up as readily as a traditional Adelaide strip.

"I've spoken to a few of the South Australian players and it’s not dissimilar to the MCG, and it's been pretty flat," he said.

"So I think the bowlers will have their work cut out."

Asked if the venue had proved a happy hunting ground for him in the past, Rogers said: "It wasn't when I was facing Shaun Tait at full speed.

"But last year I got a few runs and hopefully it's another good batting wicket."