Perth Scorchers cult hero and World Cup winner signs on for Albany’s Southern Smash T20 competition

Champion Australian spin bowler Brad Hogg will be the biggest name to play in the Plunkett Homes Southern Smash, with the retired cricketer revealed as a confirmed starter in the two-day Twenty20 tournament in Albany this year. Hogg will be weeks away from his 50th birthday when he pulls on the Inswing Ignition shirt and plays in regional WA’s premier T20 event, but his competitive spirit still burns bright. After 145 international matches and 180 wickets across three formats for Australia, Hogg retired from the top level in 2008. However, the energetic left-arm wrist-spinner continued to star in Australia’s domestic Big Bash League for the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades and in the lucrative Indian Premier League for close to a decade afterwards. In the biggest coup since the Southern Smash was created last year, Hogg will be part of this year’s tournament on December 28 and 29. The 49-year-old said he was itching to roll the arm over again. “I just got asked, simple as that,” Hogg said on playing in the Smash. “If it wasn’t for country cricket I wouldn’t have achieved what I have achieved so it’s nice to be able to do something, come back and play country cricket. “Playing these games, it won’t take long before energy gets there and you don’t like being beaten. “I enjoy it when someone gives me a bit of stick, so hopefully someone gives me a bit of tap and shows me up, that would be good.” Hogg said the Southern Smash tournament had great potential. “It’s about promoting the game and sport in country regions,” he said. “I think that needs a big boost and tournaments like this creates that excitement and energy and you are able to go out and try and get other players down here. “I think it’s a good initiative and I think the WACA can get onboard as well and help in that regard, with past players getting involved.” Hogg, who was born in Narrogin and raised in Williams, will play for Inswing, one of the four teams that were part of the inaugural competition, and the two new franchises will be announced this month. “Albany has got some good memories for me,” he said. “I came down here with an Aquinas school team with Justin Langer in 1987 and there were some quick Albany bowlers who weren’t easy on us. “I’ve played a lot of country week cricket against Albany as well, so Albany has played a small part in my journey. I’m really looking forward to the Smash — I can’t wait.” Players can nominate for the Smash draft on their Facebook page prior to November 15.