Adam Voges - Epitome Of Perseverance

Adam Voges' destiny appeared set in stone. The Western Australian's dreams of wearing a cherished Baggygreen seemed futile. He had chiselled away for more than a decade at first class cricket, consistently scoring runs to be the fulcrum of Western Australia's batting. Voges had occasionally represented Australia in the shorter formats, and generally equipped himself well, but a call up to the Test team seemed beyond his reach despite his consistency in the Sheffield Shield.

Even amongst his state team, Voges was often overshadowed by sleeker but less reliable players in Marcus North and Shaun Marsh, who were given numerous opportunities to carve out long Test careers. His name was rarely amongst the chatter when a spot opened up in Australia's team. Voges was always viewed as dependable and a gritty player but his steady game wasn't particularly eye catching.

Australian selectors kept gravitating towards alluring types such as Shane Watson and Marsh, whose occasional flash of brilliance would garner selection but their lack of gravitas meant they were always a liability at Test level. In the background, in typical understated fashion, was Voges. Plying his trade on the other side of the country, far removed from most of the nation's cricket scribes and talking heads, Voges was easily neglected.

As the years wore on, Voges' advancing age appeared the death knell to a belated Test selection. But his consistency in domestic cricket relented the naysayers and dubious Australian selectors. Voges was also helped by a creaky Australian batting line-up, which often wobbled noticeably overseas.

Voges received his long awaited call-up during Australia's tour of the Caribbean in June, where he scored a Test century on debut. Like his team-mates, Voges had an erratic Ashes campaign but survived the axe, ironically, because of his age. After an exodus of senior batsmen, Voges' maturity and renowned leadership was required for an Australian team undergoing a rebuild under Steven Smith, the new captain.

Voges, aged 36, was the oldest Australian to appear in his first Test match at home since Bob Holl, the spinner who made his debut in 1984 as a 38-year-old. Smith's first innings declaration in Brisbane robbed Voges the opportunity of scoring a first century on Australian soil but, fittingly, he achieved the breakthrough at his beloved home ground of the WACA during the second Test's fourth day.

Voges combined with Smith in a partnership of 212 to rescue Australia from some peril and set up a potential tricky run chase for New Zealand in what shapes as an intriguing final day. Voges finished unbeaten on 101 but, dramatically, it appeared he would be stranded a few runs short of his ton ensuring a nervous overnight wait. But off the last ball of the penultimate over of the day, Voges belligerently pulled a short ball from a Kane Williamson half tracker to reach his long awaited milestone.

There have been a few subdued celebrations in this match, notably from Williamson and Ross Taylor, but the normally sedate Voges couldn't contain his delight. He wasn't as demonstrative as David Warner, but you could feel the euphoria emanating from Voges. He proudly waved his bat to an adoring WACA throng, whose collective revelry reverberated around the ground so emphatically that it was hard to believe only a little more than 4000 were in attendance.

In a nice gesture, Smith, who had scored his first ever second-innings Test century, allowed Voges the honour of basking in the applause from all and sundry and lead the players off the field.

In the post play press conference, a beaming Voges said it was a moment he'll never forget. "It was very special," he said. "It doesn't get much better than this. It was an important innings because of the match situation. We now have options tomorrow."

After a long apprenticeship at the domestic level, Voges admitted he thought his Test dream would never materialise. "There were certainly times I didn't think this would happen," he said. "But I made runs in the Shield last season and I got an opportunity...that's how it should be. I have made the most of these opportunities."

In a match that has produced some incredible batting, notably Warner's belligerence and Ross Taylor's record breaking feats, it's quite typical that Voges' knock is likely to be overshadowed, and probably forgotten, whenever this Test match is recalled.

That is all trivial for Voges. Much like Chris Rogers, his former team-mate, Voges is set for an unexpected late career renaissance. His leadership and reliability are important characteristics amid Australia's transition in the fledgling Smith era. You feel, even despite his advancing age, there are a few more special Test moments ahead for Adam Voges.