Opener decides on fresh start in Melbourne

Rogers signs with Victoria

Cricinfo staff

April 10, 2008

	Chris Rogers is now a Victoria player © Getty Images

Chris Rogers has confirmed he will play for Victoria in 2008-09, ending days of speculation after he left Western Australia and was chased by the Bushrangers, South Australia and Queensland. The announcement completes an eventful week for Rogers, who was axed from Cricket Australia's 25-man squad of contracted players on Wednesday.

Rogers left the Warriors because he felt "stale" after a decade in Perth. He was also frustrated by the lack of opportunities he was given in their one-day side, which contributed to him losing his national contract as he was considered a Test-only player.

"The decision to leave the WACA and my home town of Perth was not one I made lightly," Rogers said. "I have many fond memories of my time there and wish to thank all those who have helped me achieve what I have so far in my career.

"Equally, I'm looking forward to a fresh start with Victoria. They've proved they're a quality side in making each of the three interstate finals and I'm really keen to make a strong contribution to the top order, and more generally within the squad. I feel I have plenty to offer the Bushrangers and will also be doing my best to create further opportunities with the Australian team."

Rogers, 30, made his Test debut at the WACA in January, scoring 4 and 15. He finished the Pura Cup season with 744 runs at 43.76 in 2007-08, a year after compiling an imposing 1202 runs at 70.70. However, the national selectors chose only two specialist openers in their squad for the next year, Phil Jaques and Matthew Hayden, and they believe other contracted players like Simon Katich, Shaun Marsh and Brad Hodge could also step into the role.

Rogers, who is in England preparing for a county season with Derbyshire, adds significant strength to Victoria's top order. The Bushrangers lost the Pura Cup final to New South Wales and their opening combination was the least stable part of the side all summer.

Cameron White, the Victoria captain, said Rogers would be a valuable addition. "The top of the order in four-day cricket is somewhere we've probably struggled to find some consistency," White said. "Hopefully he would give us that. He's a player that's played Test cricket for Australia now, he's a proven player."

David Hussey, one of the state's middle-order stars, described Rogers as a "classy batsman". "[He is a] quality player, quality bloke," Hussey said, "and would fit into our culture perfectly."

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