Rogers to stand tall against Poms

Courier-Mail cricket writer Ben Dorries believes England are flying under the radar heading into the first Test at the Gabba.

Chris Rogers isn't concerned about England's over-sized pace battery for the Ashes. Photo: Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Rogers says England's giant quick bowlers hold no fears for Australia's batsmen, even on lively Ashes pitches.

The plucky streetfighter, an unlikely batting hero of Australia's ill-fated winter campaign, says playing the towering tourists won't be made harder on decks likely to contain more venom than the lifeless strips served up in England in July and August.

But, as England legend Ian Botham suggests another rout is on the cards with the visitors' batsmen and bowlers suited to the pace and bounce, Rogers said the pace attack would offer no surprises.

Australian batsman Chris Rogers has backed David Warner to open the batting in the first test in Brisbane, saying he must perform if Australia are a chance to win back the Ashes.

"It's always a challenge when you face tall bowlers, but it also means there's going to be pressure on them to find the right length," Rogers said.

"If you're tall, you have to find that perfect length otherwise you're not hitting the stumps and that makes our (the Aussie batsmen's) decisions a lot easier to make.

"So the challenge is there for them as well. And we know what they've brought, so we'll play accordingly."

Rogers churned out 367 runs in the winter Ashes series at an average of 40.8, frustrating the English seamers, particularly James Anderson, with impeccable awareness of his off stump.

And he walks back into the "land of the giants" in good Sheffield Shield form, having peeled off 283 runs at 70.8 in two matches for Victoria.

"For me, I'm probably luckier than most in that I had the grounding of growing up on the WACA (Ground) in Perth and having learnt how to play balls at steep and different angles," Rogers said.

He said on renowned lively pitches in Brisbane and Perth, that would give him the upper hand as, with the extra bounce on offer, the tourists fought the temptation to bowl short.

"Who knows what their plans are? Whatever they decide, we'll just have to react and know there's going to be that kind of challenge,'' Rogers said.

"At times they'll probably come hard at us and try to get the ball up head-high, but all the batsmen know that's what's coming our way. There are no surprises there."

View the original article here