Chris Rogers announces retirement from first-class cricket

Former Australian opener Chris Rogers has announced his retirement from first-class cricket after leading Somerset to victory in their final County Championship fixture of the season. The 39-year-old signed off in spectacular style scoring centuries in both innings as his side thrashed Nottinghamshire by 325 runs and will now have to wait for the result in the match between their title rivals Yorkshire and Middlesex to determine whether they clinch their first-ever Championship title.

Rogers, who retired from international cricket at the end of the 2015 Ashes series, leaves behind an impeccable first-class record that has seen him score 25,470 runs, including 76 centuries. The Somerset skipper’s decision to retire came as a shock to everyone involved with the former Australian cricketer making little fuss while making the announcement.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Rogers started out praising him team’s achievements this season that has left them on the brink of Championship glory before changing track later on.

“It would be very special to win it, I haven’t won it; Tres (Marcus Trescothick) hasn’t won it. We were favourites to be relegated at the start of the season.....so this has been very special,“ Rogers said before dropping the bombshell of a news. “That’s it for me. I’m getting old. I’m going to miss this, standing ovation and all I’m a bit scared of the short ball now after being hit a few times. Now it’s a bit harder to find that inner inspiration.”

Should Yorkshire or Middlesex fail to win their match at Lord’s on what would be the final day of the 2016-17 Championship on Friday, Somerset would be crowned champions. Rogers, who counts Middlesex as one of the five County sides he has represented apart from Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire, admitted that his old side would do all their best to get the Championship in their favour.

Should that happen or even Yorkshire win to clinch their third Championship on the trot, Rogers insisted that he would not be disappointed much as his side has defied expectations and played superbly throughout the season.

“I know that Middlesex dressing room”, he said “and they will fight all the way against Yorkshire [who hold the upper hand at Lord’s]. (Anyway), It’s only a game. We’ve done all we can. It’s been a really enjoyable season”.

Rogers confirmed his decision later with a post on his official Twitter account.

Very proud to call it a day. Enjoyable career with so many gr8 friends Thanks to so many@CricketAus@SomersetCCC@ECB_cricket@bushrangers

— Chris Rogers (@BuckRogers55)September 22, 2016