Where is Matthew Hoggard?

Question

He seems to be fit and in good bowling form. He is among the top ten English bowlers of all time... yet the England selectors seem intent on looking him over! What's the matter?

Answer 1

Its a good q

People say that Matthew Hoggard has lost his potency. I read a stat a couple of weeks ago that said, that Hoggard since the 2005 Ashes has a bowling average of around 34 (not the exact figure). Although Hoggard has been England's "Mr consistent" over the past 6 years, a disappointing performance in the 1st test against New Zealand cost him his place in the side. In that match many pundits say that he had lost his cutting edge, and he wasnt the bowler he once was.

Another reason why Hoggard has been missing for a while is because many people believe that Hoggard and Ryan Sidebottom shouldnt play in the same side because they are too similar. The main reason that Hoggard was the one dropped and not Sidebottom was because Sidebottom was in great form and he has the additional bonus of being a left hander.

Matthew Hoggard has had a good season in the County Championship if not an excellent season, he averages 24 with the ball and he has taken 35 wickets in 10 games. Although this is a good record for Hoggard and proves that he hasnt lost his potency, Hoggard is still being outbowled by a few younger English bowlers like- James Tomlinson (59 wickets) Darren Pattinson (38 wickets) Tim Bresnan (40 wickets) and a few others.

So although Hoggard has had a decent season he doesnt deserve to come back into the England side, because i feel he hasnt done enough to warrant his place in the side.

Answer 2

He's turning his arm over for Baildon cricket club who play in the Bradford cricket league.  

Answer 3

I'm perhaps not the best person to answer if you're looking for a neutral view. Matthew Hoggard is my hero, and I'm absolutely devastated that he was dropped.

However, putting my England hat on, when we had Sidebottom and Anderson on form, our swing attack looked pretty good (mind you, against New Zealand, most things looked pretty good.)

He's dropped in pace, but he's had some injury problems recently. He's bowling at Yorkshire, and I've been trying to track his progress. I saw him bowl (which was a dream come true, haha!) at the Friends Provident semi-final vs Essex. He was fairly expensive, but one dayers aren't his game.

I guess the England selectors think that Anderson and Hoggard are fairly similar, like how they thought SiBo and Hoggy were as well. Being honest, as much as I adore Hoggard, I would prefer a younger seamer, or even a fit and firing Simon Jones (which is a rarity these days, bless him). And as much as it pains me, I'd prefer an Anderson who seems to have, finally, found good bowling rhythm, than Hoggy. Anderson has just about turned 26, compared to Hoggy's 31 (approaching 32). Anderson is the future, which England have to think about.  

Answer 4

i like his swing