Western Australia surge with big Rogers century
Chris Rogers dominated Victoria on a warm opening day in Perth as the visitors' decision to bowl first at the WACA backfired
Cricinfo staff
29-Feb-2008
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Chris Rogers dominated Victoria on a warm opening day in Perth as the visitors' decision to bowl first at the WACA backfired. The Bushrangers wanted early wickets in their push for an outright win to move away from New South Wales, who they will meet in the final, but Rogers punished them with 166 and the Warriors posted a commanding 7 for 362.
Allan Wise captured the early wicket of Justin Langer for 14, but the pitch did not offer the bowlers much assistance and Rogers combined with Shaun Marsh in a partnership of 146 that set up the innings. Marsh edged behind to Shane Harwood for 53 before Rogers reached his 24th first-class century on the way to his highest score of the season.
Bryce McGain, who is being mentioned as a national spin candidate after Brad Hogg's retirement, struggled in his first six-over spell, which went for 28, but he returned to remove Rogers, who struck a full-toss to Cameron White at midwicket. Rogers' heavy scoring included 26 fours and one six and he managed to operate at a strike-rate of 75.11 from his 221 balls.
McGain struck again when, four balls after Andrew McDonald had Marcus North lbw for 42, he confused Luke Pomersbach (13) with a short ball and trapped him in front. He picked up 2 for 60 from 15 overs and out-bowled White, who went for 29 from four.
Harwood's second wicket came with his first delivery with the second new ball when Luke Ronchi drove to Brad Hodge at gully and the Warriors had lost 4 for 37. Adam Voges (27 not out) was out-scored by the bowler Steve Magoffin, who picked up 30 before slipping four overs before stumps.