Matthew Hoggard - England - Bowler

A strapping pace bowler, who was capable of swinging the ball both ways, Matthew Hoggard served England well from 2000-2008. Having set a string of consistent performances in motion in county cricket, the Yorkshire man was handed his Test debut against West Indies at Lord's in 2000. He went wicket-less on an encouraging pitch but the tutelage of Gough, Caddick and Cork proved to be a significant step forward in his cricketing education.

Arguably, he was at the peak of his prowess during his 7-wicket haul against New Zealand in Christchurch, guiding England to a facile victory. However, his form tailed off Down Under.

Then, following the departures of Gough and Caddick, Hoggard raised the bar to become the leader of the attack. He enjoyed a successful tour of the Caribbean in 2004 with the icing on the cake being the hat-trick at Bridgetown. Later the same year, he collected 12 wickets against South Africa at Johannesburg in a famous win for England.

Hoggard was also a key component of England's historic Ashes winning team in 2005. The advent of injuries coupled with bouts of inconsistency signalled the end of his international career in 2008.

By Cricbuzz Staff