NEWCASTLE-bred fast bowler Michael Hogan will return to Hobart for the second edition of the Big Bash League this summer hoping to play a bigger role in the Hurricanes’ success.
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The former Merewether right-arm quick was announced yesterday as a Hurricanes signing, joining English import Owais Shah, Tasmanian batsmen Travis Birt and Aiden Blizzard and former Sydney Thunder wicketkeeper and batsman Ben Dunk.
Injury disrupted the start of Hogan’s campaign in the BBL last season where he failed to take a wicket in six matches at an economy rate of 7.58 runs per over.
Hogan initially planned to play English County cricket with Glamorgan this winter on a three-year deal – as he is eligible for a British passport – but Cricket Australia canned the move due to new tightening of international regulations.
This meant the Western Australian recruit and his family could no longer afford to return to Newcastle during the BBL.
Once that happened, Hogan said there was never a question about returning to Hobart.
‘‘I think it was the only offer, but I just wanted to get it done,’’ Hogan said. ‘‘I enjoyed my time down there and when I got the chance to go back, that’s where I wanted to go.’’
Last season the Hurricanes finished second on the table in the regular season before they were knocked out in the semi-finals by eventual champions the Sydney Sixers at a sold-out Bellerive Oval.
He admits this is not his favourite form of cricket, but Hogan said he was adapting to the batsmen-friendly T20.
‘‘It’s good fun and you get to interact with crowd a bit,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s not really a bowler’s game but I think now we’re starting to learn a bit more how to beat batsmen.
‘‘If you get away with going for less than 30 you’ve had a good day.’’
The riches of the Indian Premier League are a lure for the 31-year-old, and he knows his performances for the Hurricanes are the key to securing an opportunity.
‘‘Obviously you stick your hand in the draw every year, but I suppose you’ve got to put some numbers on the board in your local competition first,’’ he said.
‘‘You want to do it, but there’s only a limited number of spots. It’s definitely something I want to do, but whether I do or not is another thing.’’
Hogan is not the only Novocastrian playing cricket in Hobart this summer as former Cardiff-Boolaroo fast bowler Adam Maher has also been retained in the Tasmanian Tigers first-class squad.
