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Chris Rogers has denied that Australia took England lightly following their huge win at Lord’s but admitted they only have themselves to blame for being blown away on the first day of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
England, powered by Jimmy Anderson’s Ashes-best return of six for 47, dismissed the tourists for 136 after losing the toss and being asked to bowl.
Rogers was the only Australian batsman to show any fight, scoring 52, as England dominated, closing on 133 for three — just three runs behind.
Asked if Australia had taken Alastair Cook’s side lightly after thrashing them by 405 runs in the Second Test at Lord’s, opener Rogers said: “I don’t think so. We respect England and particularly their attack.
“As cricketers, you know the momentum can change quickly, so I don’t think we got ahead of ourselves. I read a lot where people thought it was almost game over but there’s no way you disrespect the opposition.”
Rogers, who was passed fit for Edgbaston after overcoming the balance issues he suffered at Lord’s after ducking into an Anderson short ball, did criticise his team-mates for their lack of fight.
“England bowled particularly well and the conditions suited them,” he added. “Things didn’t go our way but, equally, we’ve got a lot to be blamed for. I don’t think we batted that well. We didn’t fight hard enough.”
