The Ashes 2013: Five players to look out for in the fifth Test

Chris Rogers

 

While Australia haven’t looked the world-beating side of a few years ago in this season, England have simply gone from strength to strength, despite the struggles of a few of their players. There is every chance that the hosts could subject the struggling Kangaroos to a 4-0 defeat at the Oval.

Here is a list of five players to look out for in the fifth and final Ashes Test:

5. Chris Rogers (344 runs)

The bespectacled southpaw has been dismissed quite a few times by wily off-spinner Graeme Swann, but he has been rock-solid at the top of the order. Having returned to the Test fold six years after his debut, Rogers has utilised his knowledge and experience of English conditions well. He scored his maiden Test century in the fourth match, but could not prevent a second-innings collapse that saw his side lose the contest by 74 runs.

With a solid defence and excellent temperament, the left-handed opener has been one of Australia’s few success stories on this nightmarish tour. His paring with Shane Watson at the top of the other hasn’t clicked and it would be wise to stick with the dynamic David Warner, who opened in the fourth Test. Rogers is definitely one player England will watch out for.