Chris Rogers was born on the 31st of August 1977 in Sydney, Australia and recently joined Leicestershire as an overseas replacement for Dinesh Mongia. 'Buck' has become a massive hit a Grace Road in such a short space of time because of his sensational innings of 209 versus Australia. Unfortunately, Chris's stay with the County is very brief, as Mongia is returning next week and here the Aussie talks exclusively to the Leicester Foxes Supporters Site.
How did the move to Leicestershire come about?
The move came about as I spoke to James Whitaker before the start of the
season about the possibility of replacing Dinesh Mongia when and if he went
back to India. The contact came through my agent at Athletes1. India had the
chance to play Sri Lanka in April/May but that fell through so since
then I have been playing club cricket in Salisbury and when Dinesh was
called away, James was in contact again and it was decided I would come and
play for Leicester.
Tell us a bit about your career and achievements.
I represented Australia at U19 level against New Zealand U19 and made my
debut for WA at 21. However, I struggled in my limited opportunities for a
number of years and was told at 23 I wasn't going to receive a contract from
WA for the season 2000/01. However Brendon Julian retired and I was given a
final chance. I scored well at State 2nd XI level that season and was given
a chance when Murray Goodwin had to pull out of a game in Sydney due to his
wife having their baby.
I made 53 in that game and though was dropped for the next game due to
Murray's return, I was picked again the following game and made 96. Then
scored two unbeaten centuries against South Australia in the final game.
Since then I have played regularly for the Warriors and was chosen to
represent Australia A against South Africa A at the end of the 2001/02
season and again against the touring Indian side the following season when I
made 70.
Represented Derby last year and did well before succumbing to injury which
took a long while to recover from following shoulder and leg surgery. And
finally, was chosen for Leicester.
What is the biggest highlight of your career?
Without a doubt the 209 I scored against Australia on Sunday. I played very
well in the first innings but the second was truly amazing and to get my
highest score against my compatriots and such legends in Australian cricket
was something that can never be taken away from me.
What kind of batsman would you describe yourself as and what attitude do
you have towards the game?
I'd describe myself as an industrial and determined player in the Justin
Langer mould but one who also scores quicker than most think. Not a big
hitter but I like to try and score off a high percentage of deliveries all
around the park.
My attitude is of a competitor which I think is a major asset in my game. I
never give up and the bigger the challenge the more I like it.
How are you settling in at Leicester?
I've settled in very well at Leicester and have made some very good friends
already. However it is all ending at the end of the week which I'm very
disappointed at as have had the most amazing few days and was hoping it
would continue, especially the 20/20 finals day.
Is there a chance of you returning next season?
Well I'd like to think I might return next season but it's a long way away
and the decision is obviously for others to make but I would definitely
consider it if asked.
Did you know any or play with/against any of our players before joining
the club?
I knew Darren Maddy well from his times in Perth and I played against
Leicester last year for Derby so knew them a little.
What are your thoughts on the 20/20?
The 20/20 was amazing last night and something that doesn't happen in
Australia. I won't forget the experience of the quarter final win and am
extremely disappointed I won't be a part of the finals with Leicester.
What is the biggest crowd you have played in front of?
About 20000 in a one day final for WA v NSW at the WACA who had the two
Waughs, Katich, Clarke, MacGill amongst others playing. We lost.
Have you had another job other than cricket?
I have a degree in English, majoring in Journalism and have written for
various papers and magazines over the last few years but am considering
returning to Uni to complete a post graduate course in Sports
Administration.
What other sports do you like?
I played rugby growing up and trialed for my state team in at under 21 level
and played competitive tennis when I was younger. I like Aussie Rules and
support the Fremantle Dockers. And my hero in football is Mark Viduka so
support Middlesborough at the moment.
What is your ultimate goal in cricket?
Obviously the end goal is to play Test cricket but basically to be the
cricketer I want to become. If I do that then I can be happy with all that I
achieve and not be upset if I didn't make a team.
What is the greatest innings you have ever played?
209 against Australia. Without a doubt.
Do you think England have a chance of winning the Ashes?
Yes they have a very good chance but to do so they need to play out of their
skins and the batters need to make big hundreds to help the bowlers put
pressure on Australian batsmen. They also need to hit the ground running in
the First Test as I think England will struggle to come back from a deficit.
How do you prepare for a match and how do you wind down afterwards?
I like to take it easy the night before a game but generally try and keep my
mind off the game as otherwise I get nervous. I like to enjoy myself after a
game especially when we win so enjoy a drink with my teammates. I love
cricket but like to try and get away from it as often as I can so as to keep
my mind fresh when I play.
Who is the best player you have played with and against?
Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist are names that spring to mind.
Also Micheal Bevan who has scored hundreds in nearly every game I've played
against him.
Although, being with the club for only a short period, which young
players do you think have a big future with Leicestershire?
Obviously Stuart Broad has amazing potential and a very good bowling action.
At 19 he is still very raw but with his ability, if he is committed and
strives to improve he has a great chance to represent England. However it
will be a long journey with injuries more than likely ahead but it's all
there for him.
Johnny Maunders and Johnny Saddler are great friends and could be the heart
and soul of Leicester in a few years and both are very talented ball
strikers.
How would you compare Australian state cricket with English county
cricket?
English cricket is in very good shape with excellent players everywhere. The
problem is the sheer volume of cricket which prohibits players playing at
100 per cent for every game as opposed to Australia. I still think domestic
cricket in Australia is tougher but the gap is closing.
Cheers Chris. Hopefully we will see you back at Grace Road next year for the full season.
