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Chris Rogers confirms retirement from first-class cricket after Somerset win

TAUNTON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 08: Chris Rogers, Four Day Captain of Somerset looks on during the Somerset CCC Photocall at the County Ground on April 8,
Image: Chris Rogers is retiring after hitting the 76th first-class century of his career

Chris Rogers has announced his retirement after guiding Somerset to victory over Nottinghamshire to keep their County Championship title hopes alive.

The Somerset captain hit two centuries in his final match, meaning either Middlesex or Yorkshire must win their match on the final day to claim the division.

The 39-year-old former Australia Test batsman led his team on a lap of honour after the game, before confirming he will no longer play first-class cricket.

"That's it for me," said Rogers. "I have had a good career and to finish off that way is pretty special.

"I'm getting old. I am going to miss playing and the standing ovation from the crowd was very special, but it happens in all careers and it's time to move on."

Somerset's victory means a draw between Middlesex and Yorkshire at Lords would hand them the championship, though both teams will be chasing victory. 

Former Middlesex player Rogers revealed he and his team-mates would be gathering together to watch the final match unfold, live on Sky Sports 1 on Friday.

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"My overriding feeling is one of immense pride in my team," he added. "We were favourites to go down at the start of the season and look where we are now.

"I'll be texting a few of my old team-mates at Middlesex tonight, you can be sure of that. I know what is in their dressing room and I know they will fight all the way against Yorkshire.

"The title race is out of our hands, but neither side will roll over at Lord's so it's going to be interesting."

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Although a Somerset victory looks unlikely Rogers remains hopeful of securing an upset.

"I haven't won it before, Tres [Marcus Trescothick] hasn't won it before and obviously the club haven't won it," Rogers told Sky Sports.

"Hopefully the [Middlesex] batsmen can keep going and if it's a draw there'll be epic scenes here."

Rogers finishes his career with 25,470 first-class runs from 313 games at an average of 49.55, with 76 hundreds and 122 fifties.

His record in in 25 Tests, all but one of which came after his 35th birthday, comprises 2,015 runs at 42.87 with five centuries and 14 fifties. 

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