Michael Hogan during the Royal London One Day Cup match between Glamorgan and Durham. Pic: Getty Images

One Of The Greats . . . Michael Hogan Would Get Into Our All-Time XI, Says Mark Wallace

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By David Williams

Michael Hogan – who will retire from cricket at the end of the 2022 season – would earn a place in Glamorgan’s greatest team in history, according to the county’s director of cricket, Mark Wallace,

Hogan has announced he is to call it a day at the age of 41, but not before one last season for Glamorgan which will also be his testimonial year.

The Australian has been a mainstay of the team for the past nine seasons, but his original benefit year was scrapped in 2020 when crowds were banned due to the pandemic.

He has so far made 248 appearances for the Welsh county across all formats, taking 589 wickets and earlier this year he became only the 22nd Glamorgan bowler to take over 400 first-class wickets for the club.

Hogan was Glamorgan’s top Championship wicket-taker in 2021 and took the last Durham wicket in the One-Day Cup final – playing a leading part in Glamorgan’s first trophy in 17 years.

Wallace, a former teammate of Hogan’s, said: “He’s been fantastic for Glamorgan and would probably take a position in our greatest ever side and that shows just how good he’s been since arriving from Australia.

“He’s got a year left with us and knowing Michael he’d like to go out on a high and no doubt there are plenty more wickets left in him before he goes riding off into the sunset.

“The testimonial has been a long time coming for Michael and it’s hugely deserved after years of incredible service at Glamorgan. Hopefully, it will be well supported by everyone in Wales and beyond that.

“Though we knew this day would eventually come, it is bittersweet because he’s been such a good player for us and is so influential, but he certainly deserves to go out on his own terms.

Hogan, who only started in the first-class game at 28 after working as a groundsman, said: “I’m 41 (in May) and need to spend more time with my family.

“I’ve missed out on a lot with the kids, and it’s probably the right time for me, and for the club to look to the future.

“I’m incredibly happy with my form, it’s been nice to play at such a great club, but time moves on, there’s always a replacement and hopefully someone else will have a successful 10 or 15-year career with Glamorgan.

“I am extremely grateful to the club for postponing my Testimonial and allowing me to hold it next year.

“It’s been a difficult couple of years on and off the pitch but winning the Royal London Cup made it all worthwhile.

“The atmosphere at Trent Bridge was truly incredible and the support we received and the scenes at the end will always live with me.

“I’d like to thank the club and our members for being incredibly welcoming to my family and I over the last ten years.

“Wales has felt like home and I’m looking forward to enjoying another successful season at this great Club next year before I hang up my boots for good.

Hogan captained Glamorgan in 2018 and was the county’s player of the season five years earlier.

Over the eight seasons he has been in Cardiff, he has never taken fewer than 34 first-class wickets across a full campaign – and only once did he take fewer than 45.

Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris said: “After what must be a frustrating couple of years for Hoges, we’re delighted he will finally be able to hold his testimonial next year.

“He’s led our attack for nearly ten years and been a firm fan favourite amongst our members and supporters and will go down as one of the best players in our history and a true Glamorgan legend.

“Hoges richly deserves this honour, and we can’t wait for members and supporters to get behind him in 2022 and show just how important he has been to this club.

“He is a great player and a great person and will be sorely missed by everyone at Glamorgan when he departs at the end of next year.”

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