Retirement at 46? No way, says Brad Hogg
NEW DELHI: Brad Hogg will be 47 come February but the Australian Chinaman bowler says the thought of announcing retirement from international cricket has not yet crossed his mind.
While he is “not done yet”, Hogg remains realistic about his chances of making another comeback for Australia.
He is currently commentating in the limited-overs series between India and Australia and if it was not for a surgery on his left knee, he may well have been preparing back home to make another first-class comeback for Western Australia.
“I am not worried about my age mate. I am still trying to play first-class cricket for Western Australia. I don’t think I will ever announce my retirement from international cricket because it is a privilege to play for your country and if I am doing well enough I would never say no,” Hogg said in a chat.
The boom in T20 cricket has pushed a host of cricketers to stretch their careers. Hogg is a prime example of that alongside India’s “ageless” Ashish Nehra, who, at 38, has earned a recall to the Indian team for the three T20s against Australia beginSaker ning October 7.
Hogg was 44 when he last played for Australia in 2014 and still thinks he is good enough to bowl at the highest level. He also remains a regular at the Big Bash League and even played the IPL as recently as last year.
“If I get the opportunity to play again (for Australia), I would take it. Because once you are long time retired (it is difficult to come back). If it stops now, it stops now, I know I won’t get to play again.
“I am fortunate that at my age I am still wanted. Whether it happens or not, it is another matter but yeah I am not done yet,” he says.
Hogg says the curiosity over his age doesn’t bother him and he is focused on getting back to full fitness, having undergone a knee surgery three months ago.