Hogg announces retirement from international cricket

Melbourne, Feb 27 (UNI) Left-arm spinner Brad Hogg today announced that he will retire from international cricket after the upcoming CB series finals against India.

Hogg said he had considered ending his career after Australia's World Cup triumph in the Caribbean last year, but felt that Shane Warne's retirement gave him a chance to get back in the Test side following a long absence.

''My career started against India and I thought if I can play Test cricket against India that would be fantastic,'' said Hogg.

The 37-year-old bowler had made his Test debut against India in 1996 before a break of over seven years until his next appearance in 2003. He had also featured in 121 one-day internationals, claming 154 wickets at an average of 26.73 and was a part of Australia's two World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007.

Hogg returned to the Test team following spin wizard Shane Warne's retirement and took eight wickets in three Tests in the recently concluded Test series against India.

''I wanted to fight to get back in there and I did it and I achieved what I wanted to achieve.'' After announcing his retirement, Hogg said he had no regrets about his career and there were many highlights, most notably the receiving of his first baggy green cap.

He said playing with ''legends'' such as Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath was a wonderful experience that many cricket fans could only dream about.

Hogg's retirement will leave a gap in Australia's spin department with Stuart MacGill still recovering from surgery.

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