Veteran spinner Brad Hogg knows he’ll have to do something special at the upcoming Twenty20 Champions League in India if he is to earn a new deal with the Perth Scorchers.
Hogg has been a revelation for the Scorchers since coming out of retirement two years ago, snaring 25 wickets at an average of 19.88 to lead the team to successive BBL finals.
His form was so good that he even earned a call-up for Australia at last year’s T20 World Cup.
However, at 42 years of age and with T20 the only form of cricket in his repertoire, it’s hard to gauge where Hogg’s form sits.
The Scorchers have already signed spinners Ashton Agar, Ashton Turner and Michael Beer for this summer’s BBL competition, but coach Justin Langer is leaving the door open for Hogg to be added at a later date.
Hogg concedes he’ll need to put in a few strong showings for the Scorchers at this month’s T20 Champions League if he is to earn a fresh BBL deal.
“If my form’s good there, JL will pick me for the Big Bash,” Hogg said.
“I’ve got to step up and fill my boots when I go to India.”
Hogg was regarded as one of the nation’s fittest cricketers throughout his glittering career.
But even he was surprised at the fitness levels achieved by WA players under new coach Langer.
“The way the boys were training in the nets was the best I’ve seen for maybe eight years,” Hogg said.
“It’s really exciting times for WA cricket moving forward. The coaches have really stepped up and made the boys deliver.”