London: One man is 37 and he has already declared that this will be the last set of Tests he will be playing. The other is twenty six, just about making his reputation as one of the best young batsmen of his generation. The former is an organised, serene batsman with immense first-class experience who waited a very long time for a run in the side, and the latter is a bundle of energy that came in to the team as a part-time leg-spinner that kept the mood light in the dressing room with his jokes. But Chris Rogers and Steve Smith, difference in age and skill notwithstanding, pummeled England in to submission on a benign Lord’s pitch.

Chris Rogers in full flight yesterday. Pic/Getty Images