Veteran opener Rogers buying time with Test runs

MELBOURNE, Dec 26 (AFP): Late bloomer Chris Rogers says he hopes he is buying time to get enough runs to convince selectors to choose him for next year's Ashes tour to England.

The left-handed opener, 37, playing in just his 19th Test match, stated his case with a third straight half-century in the series against India in the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground Friday.

Rogers, who scored 116 in last season's corresponding Boxing Day Test against England, was disappointed not to go on with his innings and get another century at the MCG when he was caught behind off Mohammed Shami for 57.

Rogers, who says at times he feels intimidated by the rapid scoring of his opening partner David Warner, was under pressure after the Adelaide series opener before scoring a pair of 55s in the second Test in Brisbane last week.

"That's the nature of the beast. It's a tough business and you guys (media) have got things to write about," Rogers admitted after Friday's play.

"You try and avoid it but you know you are going to come under criticism, particularly at my age if you're not scoring runs.