Former Yorkshire star Hoggard calls time on his career

Hoggard helped to bowl England to a historic victory over Australia in 2005 - their first Ashes series success since 1986/87.

The Yorkshire seamer played in 67 Tests, and appeared 93 times for England in all, and also went on to captain Leicestershire after leaving Headingley.

He announced on his own website today that, at the age of 36, he will conclude his 17-year career on September 21 after Leicestershire’s LV= County Championship match against Hampshire.

Hoggard said: “I want to thank all of my family, friends, my past opponents, the Professional Cricketers’ Association and both Yorkshire and Leicestershire County Cricket Clubs for the support and dedication they have shown me over the course of my career.

“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.”

Anthony McGrath, who Hoggard played alongside at Yorkshire for nearly a decade, including as part of the 2001 Championship winning team, paid tribute to his former team-mate.

McGrath said: “First and foremost he was a fantastic bowler for Yorkshire and latterly with Leicestershire.

“He was someone who could bowl with pace and swing it both ways.

“Hoggy was a tremendous tryer. He’d play through injuries and he was someone you would want on your team, rather than someone you were playing against.

“Occasionally he’d joke that he didn’t like cricket too much, then you’d see him out on the pitch and you’d have to work hard to get the ball out of his hand he was that determined to bowl as often as he could.”

Hoggard’s old captains at Yorkshire and England, Michael Vaughan, tweeted: “Fantastic career @Hoggy602 .. A absolute pleasure to Captain...Even though you are crackers... #Kingofswing.”