Border-Gavaskar Trophy: A look back at three unsung heroes

3) Chris Rogers (2014-15 Border Gavaskar Test series)

Australia had won the 4 match Test series 2-0.

Chris Rogers had an excellent tour against the Indians.

At the end of 2014, the Australians were having multiple challenges. They were emotionally shattered because of the tragic death of Phil Hughes. Moreover, due to the retirement of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, the Australian team was in desperate need for an experienced batsman.

It was at that point, selectors picked Chris Rogers for an all-important India Test series. Making a comeback at the age of 35 is never an easy task. However, he did not disappoint them.

Rogers had an excellent series, scoring 6 fifties in 8 innings. He was a typical Test opening batsman. He did not have any eye-catching or flashy strokes, but he used to torment the Indians bowlers through his patience and willingness to grind it out.

He cut and pulled Mohammed Shami with ease and swept Karan Sharma with surgical precision. Throughout the series, he along with David Warner ensured that Indians did not make any early breakthroughs.

Many cricket fans may find it hard to believe that Rogers was suffering from short-sightedness and colour blindness. But when he was out in the middle, he watched the ball like a hawk.

Although Virat Kohli and Steve Smith made headlines in that series, it was Chris Rogers who was definitely the ‘undisputed best opener’ having finished the series with an impressive average of 52.12.

International Test career

Matches:25, Innings:48, Runs:2015, Average:42.87

2014-15 Border Gavaskar Test series

Matches:4, Innings:8, Runs:417, Average:52.12

These three opening batsmen were definitely the ‘unsung heroes’ of the Australian cricket team against India. They delivered consistent performances and denied India a series victory. Even in this tour, the Australian selection panel have drafted in Marcus Harris as an opener and he is doing a fine job at the moment.