Rogers savouring every moment

Chris Rogers is still pinching himself after a whirlwind year that ended with him dancing on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. 

Twelve months ago the opener never imagined he would be standing on the Sydney Cricket Ground celebrating a 5-0 Ashes victory after top-scoring in the second innings of the fifth Commonwealth Bank Ashes Test with 119 runs.

"It's been an amazing few months and to win it 5-0 it's a dream come true," Rogers told Fox Sports last night. 

"Twelve months ago I couldn't have believed I would be in this situation. To be standing out there in front of a big crowd and five-nil up that was extraordinary.

"I've played in a lot of sides and this is as good a dressing room as I've been in."

He attributes much of that good team vibe to coach Darren Lehmann.

"I just think it's the fact he's really given us some direction in the way we play our cricket and go about things and just a real calmness. 

"Everyone knows their role and everyone is happy."

That happiness was definitely evident at the celebration event for fans held at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday when Rogers took the stage to show off his impressive dance moves. 

The normally quiet and reserved 36-year-old says he has always enjoyed dancing and would be up for a call-up to the reality television show ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

"I just always enjoyed it - a few nights out being the centre of attention. 

"Yeah I might put my name up for that that might be some good fun."

With the Carlton Mid ODI Series starting in Melbourne on Sunday, Test specialist Rogers will now have a few weeks off - time which he is planning to savour.

"The intensity is amazing in the spotlight. The pressure you put on yourself and the sleepless nights, they kind of get a hold of you a little bit," Rogers admits. 

"I've got a few weeks off and I'm going to enjoy every day of it."

Australia has the chance to climb up the ICC rankings ladder again when they face South Africa in a three-Test series at home next month.

Commentator Allan Border believes a 3-0 series victory is a really tough ask and has his fingers crossed for a 2-1 Australian win.

"I think South Africa are a tough nut to crack. No Jaques Kallis so that gives them a better chance but they have a quality fast bowling attack they," he said on Inside Cricket. 

"They've got some good young players coming through the one-day system so I think they'll be hard and we need to keep this momentum going.

"The first innings runs are a real worry for me I don't think we'll get off the hook in South Africa quite as easily."

The first Test on the Tour of South Africa starts in Johannesburg on February 12.