Rogers hits hundred on hallowed 'home' turf

Chris Rogers has put a frustrating if foundation-building string of half-centuries behind him by scoring a fighting hundred on day one of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Quick Single: Match report

Rogers posted triple-figures for the fifth time in Test cricket in the evening session with a straight drive to bring the packed crowd at the Home of Cricket to their feet, as he and Steve Smith advanced the score past 250 for the loss of one wicket.

The gritty opening batsman became just the fifth player in history to post seven consecutive scores of 50 or more when he made 95 in the first innings in Cardiff, but is the only man in the elite group to fail to kick on a register a hundred.

Highlights of Rogers' hundred (Australia only)

The streak ended in the second innings at Sophia Gardens, caught at second slip by Ian Bell off Stuart Broad for 10 in Australia’s heavy loss in the Welsh capital.

But returning to the ground he’s called home for the past four seasons while playing for Middlesex, Rogers appeared determined to have his name etched in history via the famous Lord’s honours board, which lists every Test centurion at the venerated venue.

"It is just something I can be so proud of," Rogers said after play.

"I scored a hundred at the MCG, a hundred at the MCG and for me to get one at the Lord’s was kind of the trifecta. 

"It’s so special. I have got so many friends here, so many great memories and I call it home. 

"Steve Waugh said to me this morning ‘this is your ground’ and to go out and really make it count was something to be really proud of."

Rogers and Steve Smith - who also registered three figures - combined for Australia’s first century stand of the series on a sun-baked Lord’s pitch after skipper Michael Clarke called heads for the first time in his captaincy career and elected to bat without a second thought.

Aussies make the most of missed chances

The left-handed opener has been in sublime touch in 2015, averaging more than 80, and now has more than 700 Test runs past the age of 37, with legends Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Bob Simpson in his sights.

“It was for many reasons," Rogers said on how important his century was on a personal level in the twilight of his career. 

"First and foremost, if it is to be my last series, I really wanted to contribute. 

"And then it's at Lord’s.  "And then I actually read an article today in The Times where people think you get older and you don’t know it is time to retire and I feel I can still contribute to this side and make a difference and that kind of spurred me on. 

"It’s a great achievement to win the toss and bat through the whole day."

After missing the preceding two-Test series in the Caribbean due to symptoms of concussion following a blow to the helmet in the nets prior to the first Test in Dominica, Rogers was initially in doubt for the first Test last week.

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Rogers sweeps and sweeps well // Getty Images

Four starts in Australia’s two tour matches gave the selectors the confidence to reinstate the veteran at the top of the order, and he duly replaced Shaun Marsh in Cardiff.

“Looking at what happened in the West Indies and knowing that Shaun (Marsh) was a little bit unlucky to get dropped for this game, I know there’s pressure on,” Rogers said after his 95 in Cardiff.

“And I’ve said it every time I’ve done a press conference that I’m under pressure to score runs.

“But particularly this series. It’s such a huge series and perhaps being my last one (so) I’d love to remember it for the right reasons.”

Set to turn 38 at the end of August, Rogers has previously indicated this will be his last Test series.

From the hallways to the Long Room to the centre wicket, opener Chris Rogers gives viewers an insight into what it's like to play at Lord's Cricket Ground as the Aussies prepare for the second Ashes Test

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