Hogg wants to help lead Australia to victory in the World Twenty20

In these times if you were to see a 41-year-old cricketer representing his country in a tournament filled with upcoming young bright stars of the future, you would think is the selection committee for that country completely mad.

But, for one 41-year-old the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 is his chance to show just what the old boys are made of.

Australia spin bowler Brad Hogg, who played seven Tests and 123 ODIs for Australia before retiring four years ago to become a commentator for the sport, convinced the national team selectors that he still had what it took to play in the shortest format of the game after capturing their attention during last year’s Australia Big Bash League.

To ensure that they were not making a mistake, the selectors included Hogg in two Twenty20 Internationals against India in February, and even though he only took two wickets throughout both games, they were fully convinced that he would be a key asset for the team during the World Twenty20.

“There are always surprises in life, if you work hard and take the opportunities when they come, you make the most of those opportunities. I didn’t know I’d play for Australia again when I went to witness the Test in Perth early this year and selectors came up and asked if I was interested. I wasn’t going to say no. I remember I got back home straight after that Test and I wanted to make sure that I was in peak condition,” Hogg said.

Hogg, who was part of the Australian squad that won the ICC 50-over World Cup in 2003 and 2007, stated that he had no problems playing alongside young talents such as Pat Cummins, who was just three-years-old when Hogg made his debut for Australia in 1996.

However, Hogg admitted that his age is the basis of a lot of banter that goes on in the dressing room.

“Some of the lads could be old enough to be my sons,” Hogg said in a joking manner.

But, going back to a serious note, Hogg believes that winning the World Twenty20 will be the perfect ending to his illustrious international career.

“I am just enjoying playing cricket and I am very fortunate to play international cricket again, I am happy we won two World Cups. To win a World T20 will cap off everything,” Hogg added.