At 42, Brad Hogg is still the rock of the Perth Scorchers Big Bash League Twenty20 team – but that is not how he earned his new nickname “Brick”.
Hogg belied his age to again spark Perth in Sunday night’s Gabba clash with Brisbane, claiming 3-21 and a sensational outfield catch to dismiss Heat dangerman Chris Lynn for 81.
It wasn’t enough to stop Perth losing their BBL opener by three wickets.
But Hogg continued to confound critics by playing a starring role – one that now has an official name after a team viewing of comedy movie “Anchorman 2”.
Cynics may laugh at Hogg’s post-match call that he has no intention of retiring – again – any time soon.
But the bubbly veteran leg-spinner admitted after his Gabba heroics that he kept the Scorchers camp in stitches for very different reasons.
Known to spark unintentional hilarity, Hogg took it as a sign of acceptance from his young teammates that he had been named after “special” TV weatherman Brick Tamland upon leaving Anchorman 2 recently.
“They have accepted me into their group,” Hogg laughed.
“They are calling me `Brick’ from the show we saw the other day.
“They have given me a bit of a rap there.
“That’s the good thing about every team I have been in – my role doesn’t seem to change.
“I seem to be the, well let’s keep it clean, the jester of the team.”
But Hogg’s form is no laughing matter.
After hanging up the boots in 2008, Hogg famously came out of retirement and forced his way into the national T20 team at the age of 40.
Judging by Sunday night’s display, Hogg is showing no signs of slowing down yet.
However, Hogg admits his second chance has ensured he won’t bow out of cricket again graciously.
“I want to go as long as I can. I have already told JL (coach Justin Langer) `you will have to kick me out’,” Hogg smiled.
“I retired in `08. I always regretted it.
“The way I have gone recently makes those two years (out of the game) hurt even more.
“But life goes on and you look forward.
“I am just fortunate to be someone who has been able to have another career in the game.”