Michael Garry Hogan, a tall and formidable fast bowler hailing from New South Wales, Australia, has made a significant impact on the cricketing world despite his late start in first-class cricket. Making his debut at the age of 28, Hogan’s journey to success has been full of determination and perseverance.
Originally playing club cricket in Newcastle, Hogan caught the attention of Western Australia (WA) during a trial in 2009. With an impressive performance in his opening season, particularly in the Sheffield Shield, where he bagged 23 wickets in seven matches, Hogan quickly rose through the ranks and finished third on the state’s wicket tally. His talent did not go unnoticed, and when Justin Langer took over as the WA coach in 2012, he made a genuine effort to convince Hogan to stay in Australia.
However, Hogan decided to take a different path and agreed to play for Glamorgan in the United Kingdom, utilizing his British passport. This move proved to be a turning point in his career. In his first season with Glamorgan in 2013, he showcased his bowling prowess, taking over 100 wickets across all competitions. Despite being 34 years old at the time, he expressed his desire to continue playing for several more years if his body held up.
Not only did Hogan excel in bowling, but he also impressed with his batting skills. Despite having limited batting ability, he managed to score a remarkable career-best of 57 against Lancashire in the 2015 season, proving himself to be a valuable asset even in the lowest batting order. His contribution with the bat was significant, as Glamorgan’s tail consistently outscored their top order that season.
Throughout his career, Hogan has been a consistent performer for Glamorgan, consistently taking at least 45 wickets in every Championship season. He has also made valuable contributions in the white-ball formats from time to time. Such contributions further solidified his position as a linchpin in Glamorgan’s bowling attack.
Recognizing his leadership qualities, Hogan was appointed as the captain of Glamorgan midway through the 2017 season and continued in the role in 2018 until he stepped down at the end of the Championship campaign. His leadership skills were evident as he guided and inspired his team with both his words and actions.
Despite his late start in professional cricket, Hogan’s drive and dedication have propelled him to great heights. His ability to adapt to different playing conditions and consistently perform at such a high level are testaments to his skill and professionalism. As an integral part of Glamorgan and a respected figure in the cricketing community, Michael Garry Hogan has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sport.
