Hoggard announces retirement
Former England Test bowler Matthew Hoggard has announced he will retire from cricket at the end of the season after a 17-year career.
The 36-year-old played 93 times for England in all formats of the game over eight years - taking 280 wickets - and was part of England's triumphant 2005 Ashes winning side.
As part of a bowling attack that included Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones, Hoggard's swing bowling proved to be a lethal weapon in that series for England as he dismissed opener Matthew Hayden in three of the five Tests.
He made his last Test appearance against New Zealand in 2008, but continued to play in the County Championship for Yorkshire and latterly Leicestershire.
Hoggard announced his decision to retire on Wednesday, and paid tribute to those who have supported him throughout his career.
"I want to thank all of my family, friends, my past opponents, the PCA (Professional Cricketers' Association) and both Yorkshire and Leicestershire for the support and dedication that they have shown me over the course of my career," he said in a statement.
"Playing cricket professionally and, of course, playing as part of the national side is a dream that nearly every young boy growing up in Yorkshire shares.
"I feel truly honoured to have been given such incredible opportunities and I am grateful to everyone that I have worked alongside for the past 17 years."
Hoggard will officially retire from the game after Leicestershire's final County Championship game against Hampshire that begins on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old played 93 times for England in all formats of the game over eight years - taking 280 wickets - and was part of England's triumphant 2005 Ashes winning side.
As part of a bowling attack that included Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones, Hoggard's swing bowling proved to be a lethal weapon in that series for England as he dismissed opener Matthew Hayden in three of the five Tests.
He made his last Test appearance against New Zealand in 2008, but continued to play in the County Championship for Yorkshire and latterly Leicestershire.
Hoggard announced his decision to retire on Wednesday, and paid tribute to those who have supported him throughout his career.
"I want to thank all of my family, friends, my past opponents, the PCA (Professional Cricketers' Association) and both Yorkshire and Leicestershire for the support and dedication that they have shown me over the course of my career," he said in a statement.
"Playing cricket professionally and, of course, playing as part of the national side is a dream that nearly every young boy growing up in Yorkshire shares.
"I feel truly honoured to have been given such incredible opportunities and I am grateful to everyone that I have worked alongside for the past 17 years."
Hoggard will officially retire from the game after Leicestershire's final County Championship game against Hampshire that begins on Tuesday.
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