London, July 17 (IANS) Australia opener Chris Rogers has revealed former skipper Steve Waugh’s words of wisdom inspired him to score an unbeaten knock of 158 runs on the first day of the second Ashes Test here.
Australia ended the first day’s action at 337/1 with Rogers and Steven Smith (129 not out) scoring fine centuries to put the visiting team in the driving seat at the Lord’s cricket ground on Thursday. England won the first Test by 169 runs to lead the five-match series 1-0.
Rogers said Waugh motivated him ahead of the match, reminding him of his impressive record at Lord’s. Rogers plays for English county side Middlesex, who play their home matches at the famous ground, where he has scored several centuries earlier.
“Steve Waugh said to me this morning, ‘This is your ground’. So to go out and make it count was something to be very proud of,” Rogers was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au on Friday.
“I’ve scored a hundred at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, one at the Sydney Cricket Ground, so for me to get one at Lord’s was kind of the trifecta. It’s so special. I’ve got so many friends here, so many great memories,” said the 37-year-old.