Australia face a spin bowling crisis with left-arm spinner Brad Hogg announcing his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday.
MELBOURNE: Australia face a spin bowling crisis with left-arm spinner Brad Hogg announcing his retirement from international cricket on Wednesday, bringing the curtains down on his brief career.
The 37-year-old Hogg, who was regarded more as a one-day specialist, cited "personal reasons" for his decision to quit the game after the ongoing cricket tri-series.
After the legendary Shane Warne announced his retirement, Hogg had become a regular in the Australian team since leg-spinner Stuart MacGill was recuperating after a hand surgery last year.
Hogg, who was at the centre of a controversy for abusing Indian players during the ill-tempered Test series, played only seven Tests and captured 17 wickets since making his debut against India in Delhi in 1996.
He also featured in 121 games one-day internationals and claimed 154 wickets for an average of 26.73.
The best-of-three tri-series finals against India would be his last international appearance which means he will leave the game alongwith wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist.
"I've had a fantastic time playing cricket for Australia and Western Australia. To represent our country and make a living out of cricket is one of the most joyous thing you can have," Hogg told a crowded press conference at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
"I respect the game, I respect what it's given me and I'm thankful for that," he said.
With MacGill's return to the international cricket being still doubtful, the Australians will have to now rely on young and untested spinners.
Hogg's lower order batting and athleticism in the field had made him a key member of the Australian side during its dominance of one-day cricket over the past decade.
He was also a key member of Australia's ICC World Cup winning sides in 2003 and 2007 where he was amongst Australia's leading wicket takers on both occasions.
"I feel the time is right to call an end to my international career, I am extremely comfortable with my decision. I wanted to bow out while I was still on top of my game and while I was not letting my team mates down in any way," he said.
With MacGill's return to the international cricket is still doubtful, the names of Daniel Cullen of South Australia and Queenslander Nathan Hauritz may be considered for the national duty.
Hauritz has played one Test and eight ODIs for Australia while Cullen has impressed with his performance for the 'A' team.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}