9 Jul 2015 | Cricket
Chris Rogers believes Australia are still in contention in the first Investec Ashes test, despite being reduced from 180/2 to 264/5 on day two.
Rogers hit his seventh consecutive Test half-century but was frustrated he could not convert that into a hundred in close-to perfect batting conditions.
The opener also defended Australia's attacking philosophy, particularly against Moeen Ali, who took 2/67 to thwart the visitors' innings.
We could have been a bit more patient but you can't have it both ways. Our mentality as a side is to be positive, said Rogers
But the way we got out, myself in the 90s and a couple of guys in the 30s - that will hurt.
Ali starred for the hosts early on with a fine knock of 77 before taking the prize wickets of Steve Smith and Michael Clarke, but the nature of the Australian dismissals would have been a source of disappointment for Rogers and coach Darren Lehmann.
Smith, Clarke and Adam Voges all made starts before losing their wickets, but experienced opener Rogers glued the innings together with his 95, before Mark Wood claimed his first Ashes wicket, Rogers feathering the ball through to Jos Buttler.
Rogers lauded Wood as a useful addition to the England attack, before saying: There's probably a bit more balance in the England attack but I'm pretty happy Swann isn't there to torment me!
On a sweltering day at The SSE SWALEC, Australia sought to cash in and match England's score of 430, but were pegged back by a dogged home display in the field.
Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals but the soft nature of Smith's dismissal - caught by Cook off Ali after skewing one off the inside edge - and Clarke who gave the off-spinner a second victim with a caught and bowled.
England finished the day strongly when Voges was snared by Ben Stokes, but Rogers said the visitors can still match England's first innings score, with Shane Watson unbeaten on 29, the team 264/5.