Perth Scorchers spinner Brad Hogg wants to play Twenty20s for at least two more years, but says it might be better for Australian cricket if James Muirhead beats him for a spot at this year’s World Cup in Bangladesh.
Hogg turns 43 on Thursday, but the evergreen spinner is showing no signs of slowing down more than 20 years on from his Sheffield Shield debut.
The left-arm tweaker remains a fan favourite at the WACA, with his performances helping the Scorchers reach the BBL finals for a third straight year.
Hogg retired in 2008 with seven Tests, 123 ODIs and two T20Is to his name.
But a successful return with the Scorchers in 2011 saw Hogg recalled to the international set-up in 2012 for Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign in Sri Lanka.
Hogg remains in the picture for a gig at this year’s event in Bangladesh, but 20-year-old Muirhead looms as his biggest competition.
Muirhead impressed in his three T20s against England this month, claiming four wickets at an average of 16 to help Australia win the series 3-0.
The Victorian has the potential to become a key player for Australia over the next decade, and Hogg doesn’t want to delay Muirhead’s progress if selectors believe the youngster’s ready for a World Cup berth.
“I’d love to be able to go and represent my country again. If selected, I’d give 100 per cent,” Hogg said.
“But if someone youthful is doing the job, I’d go for them over someone like myself.
“I think Muirhead’s bowling extremely well at the present moment.
“He’s going to be a class act down the track.
“He’s still a little bit raw obviously. He’s got a bit to learn.
“But the way that he’s handled the pressure over the last three games has been exceptional.
“It shows that he doesn’t just have the talent with the fingers, he’s also got the talent upstairs as well.”
Hogg looms as a key figure for the Scorchers in Wednesday night’s BBL semi-final against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
The proud West Australian recently celebrated the 20-year anniversary of his Shield debut, and he remembers it like it was yesterday.
“I remember I was padded up ready to go out to bat, and I went toilet about eight times in 10 minutes before I got out to the middle,” Hogg said with a laugh.
“I was that nervous.
“I came over to Perth as an opening bowler and then ended up playing Shield cricket as a batsman, and now represented my country as a spin bowler.
“My career’s had an interesting progress.”
Hogg doesn’t want his roller coaster ride to end just yet, claiming his body feels fresh and ready to handle a few more years in T20 ranks.
“Mentally and physically I feel like I’m 21 again,” Hogg said.
“I want to go on for as long as I possibly can.
“The way I’m feeling now, I think probably another two (years).”
Hogg is well loved by his teammates, with his pranks, jokes and verbal gaffes providing plenty of laughs.
“He’s still a 14-year-old kid in a nearly 43-year-old’s body,” Scorchers veteran Adam Voges says with a smile.
THE CRICKET CAREER OF BRAD HOGG
*Age: 42
*Tests: 7 (17 wickets at 54.88)
*ODIs: 123 (156 wickets at 26.84)
*T20Is: 12 (5 wickets at 61.60)
*50-over World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007
Garry Edwards
Guest
I'm a tad confused, I thought and according to what I'm reading Hogg retired in 2008- thats "retired" but, now says if selected he would go to the T20 WC in Mar. Hmm yes I'm impressed as most others with Hoggs contribution to the Scorchers- great but hey I think it's all a little overpowering too think he to be the #1 choice of spin bowler for what will surely be a challenging T20 series. I believe Muirhead will get the nod, he's young still able to be moulded, advised, youthfull exubes confidence and will have Warney as a mentor. The big mistake cricketers make is announcing a retirement particularly prematurely. Look at Hodgey no he wont announce retirement he still has his hat in the ring- learn from it. I think it best for Hoggy to continue with the IPL and BBL, and it is 2014 not 2012 so, relieve himself of the thoughts of national representation- after all the T20 WC will be physically demanding, save the body, save the injury and save face, it is a younger mans game. So please relinquish that tenuous hold which in all probablity or reality has been perpertrated by media hype.