Chris Rogers is hoping something of the Aussie mentality he has learnt on Test duty will rub off on the men of Middlesex.
Australia were confirmed as the world’s No 1 Test playing nation again this week following a winter which saw a 5-0 Ashes whitewash and a series win over previous top incumbents South Africa.
These wins were achieved with an attacking aggressive style of cricket, 36-year-old left hander Rogers has been happy to embrace, his 241 not out in Middlesex’s record winning run chase against Yorkshire this week providing a perfect illustration of the green baggies’ brand of the game.
It is something Middlesex’s captain is keen to pass on to the rest of Gus Fraser’s men whose batsman have acquired the reputation for being flaky, something amply illustrated in their first innings collapse in the memorable win over the Tykes.
He said: “I just want us to have that belief as a side that you can go out attack, be aggressive and enjoy yourself.
“I think that is probably a lot of what I have got from playing with the Aussies, just the aggressive way that they have played and having the freedom to express yourselves.
“Here at Middlesex we are a way better side when that is happening. I don’t think it is always going to happen like that, but today was a good example of what can happen.
“The first innings was very disappointing as I thought we were timid. They are a very good attack, particularly in conditions which suit them and no-one stood up against them and that is what annoyed me.
“So (before the chase) I said just go out and take your chance, be positive and see what happens. We all did it and it came off for us.
“As a side we have been criticized for our batting so that can be an excellent step for us I think.”
Rogers’ 290-ball effort with 37 fours provided the innings of backbone needed to make an impossible chase possible again and the opener is clear for all the talk of a team game, successful sides win because individuals produce game changing contributions.
“I said to the media after the last game what you need to turn things around is for individuals to stand up.
“I mean it is great to have a great team environment and all that, but it still comes down to individuals making it count.”
While others then must ‘stand up’ as he puts it, starting with the trip to another of the fancied sides Warwickshire on Sunday, this was arguably Rogers’ own finest hour.
He joins an impressive list of cricketers including Alvin Kallicharran, CB Fry and Middlesex legend Patsy Hendren in making double hundreds in a successful run chase, his tally of 241 being the second highest ever.
“It is a nice list to be among and even in a career as long as mine this has not happened before, so anything new that happens you really embrace and it is a fantastic moment, he added.
“It is amazing to know it is second highest in a successful run chase when you think about the amount of cricket which has been played.
“To play cricket for a living is just about as good as it gets.”
