Australia opening batsman Chris Rogers has admitted that his side were far short of their best during the opening day of the third Ashes Test today.
The Baggy Greens came into the match at Edgbaston buoyed by their commanding victory at Lord's in the second Test, but they were bowled out for just 136 as James Anderson, Stuart Broad and the returning Steven Finn tore through the batting lineup.
Rogers, who was a doubt for the Test after retiring due to dizziness at Lord's, was the only Aussie to put up any serious resistance as he made 52, and he was critical of the shot choices from some of his teammates.
"Very disappointing, we won the toss but England put us under pressure and we didn't respond. You have to give their attack credit, but there's times when you have to fight, and some of the shot selection... we needed to have a better day," he told Sky Sports News.
"The pitch was quick enough, it took the edge and carried and England exploited it well and hit the right lengths. It's going to be tough throughout the game, there's enough grass on the pitch but there's cracks in it too so it could be difficult in the fourth innings, but we're behind the game at the moment.
"I was desperate to play. Even to miss the last day of Lord's, they're memories you miss, but I've got the all-clear and there was nothing to stop me playing here. It's nice to see Steven Finn back, though I don't think he liked it when I pulled him. We just need more balls in the right area to make England defend."
England ended the day on 133-3, just three runs behind going into day two.
Barney Corkhill
