At 35 years and 344 days, it was a long time coming but only the most irrational critic would have suggested it wasn’t deserved.
The tough knock when Australia really needed it was his 61st first class ton after 14-plus years of top level cricket.
“It was emotional out there today, that’s for sure,” he said.
Rogers’ series so far has been marked by starts and unlucky dismissals.
His failure at Lord’s hurt most, with Australia being flogged by 347 runs on a ground he scores runs for fun on as captain of Middlesex.
Some suggested he’d get punted from the line-up, but selectors kept the faith.
“To get picked (again) for Australia was amazing but the nerves and the things that go with it… the Lord’s test, that was as low as I’ve been for a while, hearing the criticism and feeling like you’ve let down your country,” he said.
“That hurts. To play well in the last test [scoring 84 at Old Trafford] and to back it up in this one means a lot to me.”
On a tough day for batting, Rogers rode a bit of luck, correctly reviewing a caught behind decision that would have been out LBW had Tony Hill seen it fit.
He brought up his 50 with an edge from Stuart Broad, dropped by Graeme Swann.
Then on 96 he faced 19 dot balls from Swann.
Deciding enough is enough, perhaps spurred on by some choice England sledging, he played an out of character sweep to reach the milestone.
While the Aussie team celebrated his landmark achievement, led by Michael Clarke on the balcony, Rogers simply showed his bat to the sky.
“That was a nervous time,” Rogers said. “I got to the 90s and the England boys were saying ‘if you don’t get it now, you may never’.
“They were fine, it’s exactly what we would be doing if it was the other way around. I think they were quite good to be honest, they all said ‘well done’ at the end.
“I know it’s not part of my game but I guess in the end I had to do something. I couldn’t just keep standing there and letting him bowl while I was like a cat on a hot tin roof,” said Rogers.
“It was just a fantastic moment to finally get it. I’m not a huge celebrator … I guess you just want to soak it up and that’s probably why I was like that.”
Image via Getty
