Brad Hogg is 46 years old. He is already establishing a presence as a commentator, but given the chance, he is more than happy to step out on the field again. The left-arm wristspinner has earned another one-year contract with Melbourne Renegades to play the seventh edition of the Big Bash League.
Having left Perth Scorchers ahead of the previous BBL season, Hogg was without a contract. The Renegades brought him on board in 2016-17, but that was a one-season deal. He played all eight matches for them, taking eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.2.
“Look out Melbourne, I’m coming back,” Hogg said. “I had such a good time during the last BBL season and the fire to compete is burning strongly.”
He is currently in India, following the Australian team and working as an expert for the host broadcaster, and he spoke about his desire to play until he is 50.
“I just want to play. I don’t care where and who wants me, as long as I’m delivering and enjoying it. I want to crack the 50 mark,” Hogg told the Cricket Australia website. “If the body holds up, the body holds up. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. If batsmen get on top of me and start belting me out of the team, so be it. I want to finish my career playing the Big Bash.”
As eager as he was to keep playing, Hogg admitted he had to be cautious. “I’m fully fit, there’s nothing wrong with my endurance,” he said. “It’s just being able to run at 100%. I am getting old. I feel young but the left knee just said ‘hey old fella, your mind might be 21 but I’m 46. So pull your head in a bit. It doesn’t matter what the scenario is, if I can’t train and keep up with the other players, that’s a sign for me to pull out. If I’m playing, I’ve got to do the hard yards like everyone else. I don’t want that easy way out (because) I’m old.”
Renegades head coach Andrew McDonald said: “Hoggy proved last year, as he has done for many years, that he can still deceive some of the best players in the world with the ball. He’s an energetic and experienced presence around the group and we’re excited to have him back.”
