Former England seamer Matthew Hoggard has announced he is to retire from cricket later this month.
A key member of the England team that memorably regained the Ashes in 2005, Hoggard represented his country in 67 Tests and 26 one-day internationals between 2000 and 2008.
His tally of 248 wickets in the premier form of the game puts him joint-seventh on England’s all-time list alongside Graeme Swann.
Despite often shouldering a heavy workload, Hoggard claimed seven wickets in an innings for England on three occasions. Only Ian Botham has done likewise in the last 40 years.
Hoggard also claimed a Test hat-trick in 2004, against West Indies at Barbados.
Having spent the bulk of his career with home county Yorkshire, the affable right-armer joined Leicestershire as captain ahead of the 2010 season before handing the reins to Ramnaresh Sarwan this summer.
A statement on Hoggard’s official website confirmed next week’s LV= County Championship game between Leicestershire and Hampshire will represent the 36-year-old’s final professional match.
Hoggard said: “I want to thank all of my family, friends, my past opponents, the PCA and both Yorkshire and Leicestershire County Cricket Clubs for the support and dedication that 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.”
Leicestershire chief executive Mike Siddall paid tribute to Hoggard, adding: “Everyone at Leicestershire wishes Matthew and his family the very best for the future following his retirement.
“He has had a massive influence at the club during the four years he has been here, not least captaining the county to its third T20 Trophy win at Edgbaston in August 2011. His wicked sense of humour and Yorkshire wit will be missed by all.”
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