Chris Rogers insists Australia did not get ahead of themselves at Edgbaston after thumping England in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s 10 days ago.
On a chastening opening day of the third Test for the Australians on Wednesday, the tourists were dismissed for 136 with Jimmy Anderson taking 6-47 after Michael Clarke won the toss and opted to bat.
Rogers top scored with a fighting knock of 52, with no other player scoring more than 16 on an overcast and rain-interrupted day in Birmingham well suited to seam bowling.
All the momentum was with Australia coming in to the match following a 405-run win to level the series at 1-1 with the visitors’ attack skittling the hosts for just 103 in 37 overs to win the match.
Pace trio Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Johnson were subsequently given time away from the squad, who played a tour match in Derby last week and Steve Smith was allowed to fly to Paris for a break with his partner.
But Rogers said there was no way Australia misjudged their opponents, who have responded superbly to their mauling at Lord’s to trail by just three runs with seven wickets in hand.
“I don’t think so. I think we respect England and particularly their attack,” he said.
“A lot has been made of that second Test win and a lot was made of the first Test win. It’s one game, one game at a time.
“As cricketers you know the momentum can change so quickly. So I don’t think we got ahead of ourselves at all.
“I read a lot where people thought it was almost game over but there’s no way you disrespect the opposition.”
The 37 -year-old is a specialist in English conditions having enjoyed spells with Middlesex, Leicestershire, Northampton and Derbyshire and has now made 379 runs in the series from five innings.
Rogers is expected to retire at the end of the series but there have been calls for him to stay on at the top of the order.
The Victoria opener said he is yet to decide his next move but refused to confirm he wouldn’t leave the international game.
“I dont know, Its still a long way away,” he said.
“Im just enjoying what’s happening and I will weigh that up when we come to it.”
