Chris Rogers , an Australian cricketer, has made his maiden Test Century in fourth Ashes match against England to become the second oldest Australian to score maiden Test Century.
This is a story of perseverance and overcoming personal short comings. Chris Rogers suffers from short sightedness and colour blindness. Inspite of the physical constraints put to him by nature he was able to pursue his dream. It took a little too long for him to achieve but he did make it at the age of 36 years. He has become an epitome of hardwork and perseverance.
A little of his background in international debut:
Rogers is a left- handed opening batsman and a right handed leg-breaker bowler of Australia.
In May 2007 he was awarded his first national contract with Cricket Australia. In 2008 he played in the test series -Australia versus India. But, didn’t perform well. He was able to scored only four runs in his first innings of 212 and 15 runs in the second innings. As an aftermath of this his national contract was terminated. After more than five years of long wait since he played his first and only test match for Australia his name appeared in the team of sixteen players selected for Australian Test squad for the 2013 Ashes tour.
What happened after this is known to one and all .
What Chris Rogers had to say when he was selected?
“They see me as someone who can come in and offer something different with all that experience.”
“When the call came through I was absolutely delighted, but at the same time I knew there was a long way to go.”
Rogers conceded he “got a bit down” when selectors continually overlooked him after his one Test.
“When there were 50-50 calls and I missed out, and it seemed the selectors were going in a different direction, I mentioned to a few people I didn’t think I’d ever get a go,” he said.
“A lot of people said to never give up hope, and here I am. It’s pleasing to get one more chance.”
What selection chairman John Inverarity had to tell about Chris Rigers on his selection?
Rogers has scored almost 20,000 first-class runs, with nearly 10,000 made on English pitches, and selection chairman John Inverarity told him he had something unique to offer.
What Chris Rogers had to say after scoring his maiden Test Century?
“I wanted to believe I was good enough but never knew. To get a hundred that’s something that no one can take away from me.”
“It was emotional out there…It was my day today. There were so many things that went my way. You’ve just got to make the most of it and fortunately I did.”
Learnings:
• Physical constraints can be overcome by will power and determination to succeed.
• What matters is perseverance to do something!
• Take failures as the stepping stones and use tough experiences for ones own betterment.
Consider failures as opportunities to work on ones shortcomings and drawbacks.
