India tour of Australia 2011/12

Brad 'Hogg-s' Limelight With Surprise Call Up

Perth Scorchers scorched their way to the finals and Brad Hogg, who entered the 40s almost 11 months ago, was a pillar of strength. With 12 wickets in 8 matches, Brad Hogg's Big Bash at Australia's premier domestic T20 competition, has earned him a surprise call up back to the T20I team of Australia that would face off against India next month.

Perth Scorchers scorched their way to the finals and Brad Hogg, who entered the 40s almost 11 months ago, was a pillar of strength. With 12 wickets in 8 matches, Brad Hogg's Big Bash at Australia's premier domestic T20 competition, has earned him a surprise call up back to the T20I team of Australia that would face off against India next month.

“He woke me up about 7 in the morning, the old bugger,” Hogg spoke fondly of John Inverarity, the chairman of selectors.

Life has turned full circle for Hogg, who said, “One thing that I’ve realized over the last 3 years is that life only comes once and once cricket was gone, I thought it was gone forever.

Brad Hogg’s T20 international record is nothing to write home about, from a bowling perspective having failed to take any wickets in the 2 matches in which he had donned Australian colors.

However, his domestic record is quite impressive. In 20 matches, he has a batting average of 17.63 and a bowling average of 14.51 which combined with his economy of 6.66 makes for an impressive package. He has 33 wickets in the shortest format of the game at the domestic level.

Brad Hogg, a seasoned veteran, will love this dream come true at an age when most fellow players are looking for an alternate career as bowling coaches and commentators. “I feel young still. I’m going to enjoy every moment of it,” he said.