Recently, former Australian opener Chris Rogers gave his take on how to approach England’s grass.
“The ball is going to move in England, and if you try to cut it across, you have no chance really. The skills to succeed in English conditions is to play as late as possible.”
The interview took place in Chennai, where Rogers is accompanying 12 players from the Australian Cricket Academy. The lefty spent a great portion of his career in England, so he knows what he’s talking about. In addition to playing the ball late, he also believes it is important to pick and choose your shot selection.
“You have got to know what the bowler is trying to do.”
Chris Rogers on James Anderson
Chris Rogers offered some advice on how to approach James Anderson, England’s veteran paceman, who is set to break Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath’s record for most Test wickets ever for a fast bowler.
“When Anderson is bowling and if you are a right-hander – you have to understand that he is trying to get you caught in the slips. So perhaps as a batsman, you have to be more selective around your cover drive but you still have to play that shot”
Chris Rogers on Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara
Rogers also admits he drew inspiration from Indian great Rahul Dravid, as well as Sri Lanka’s former captain Kumar Sangakkara, cricketers who are regarded as two of the best batsmen of all-time.
“I still remember Dravid getting a hundred in England and watched how late he played. He was allowing the ball to come onto him and not hitting it hard at all.”
“Also, if one saw the wagon-wheel of Kumar Sangakkara’s hundred against England on his last tour there – a lot of shots came on the square of the wicket”
Chris Rogers had an impressive 847 runs from his 10 Tests in England.
