Hope to bring a calm head and lead from the front, says Chris Rogers

Chris Rogers is happy to wear the Baggy Green again, after five years in the wilderness. The left-hander, who turns 36 in August, recently scored 184 for Middlesex versus Sussex at Lord's in a County fixture. But big test towards international resurrection is only a few days away. Rogers, who has been chosen to open in the first Test against England in the upcoming Ashes series, will be playing only his second Test match and first since making his debut against India in Perth in 2008.

"I am very excited to be able to come back into Test cricket, should be a good experience for me", he said in an interview ahead of the first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

Rogers holds the rare record of scoring a double-century against his own country. Playing for Leicestershire in 2005, Rogers opened the batting against Australia and scored 56 and 219. But a Test call-up came as late as 2008 when he replaced Matthew Hayden in the third Test against India in Perth and scored 4 and 15.

He lost his international contract by the end of that summer and moved to Victoria. While he was prolific in his scoring, he always seemed to miss the bus for a chance in the national team.

Rogers, however has not let that affect him mentally. He is confident that he can turn things around in this series. "Have been through some tough times but love the game so will make use of this opportunity".

He is also keen to let the bat do the talking and does not want to engross himself in matters outside the game. "I will concentrate on my game and not think of other things. I think I am a better player now and hope to make the best of this opportunity."

Aussie coach Darren Lehmann was all praise for the left-hander and justified his decision to pick Rogers as an opening partner for Shane Watson. "Rogers has lots of experience in County cricket and should go in his favour", Lehmann said.

While Rogers was not part of Mickey Arthur's set-up, he feels welcomed into the Australian team and gets on well with his mates. "The other guys have been very good to me and its a calm atmosphere under Darren".

Rogers is confident that he can bring his experience into play as he has been around for a long time. "Hope to bring a calm head, lead from the front and start well for the team" said Rogers. "It is important for us at the top to set the middle order up as they are a bunch of aggressive players", he added.

Australia have not won a Test series in England since 2001 when Steve Waugh's team won 4-1. Ricky Ponting's both outings resulted in losing the series 1-2. This will be Michael Clarke's first Ashes as skipper.