Former Test spinner Brad Hogg has declared he will end his international retirement if Australia requires his services for September's World Twenty20.
Hogg, who last played for Australia in 2008, has been in blistering form in the Big Bash League, snaring 3 for 20 off four overs to inspire Perth Scorchers to a 42-run victory over Adelaide Strikers at the WACA ground on Sunday.
The man-of-the-match performance took Hogg's tournament figures to 6 for 115 at the miserly run rate of 6.4 an over.
But more importantly, the 40-year-old now has the belief he could again match it with the world's best at the highest level.
Hogg, who notched seven Tests, 123 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches for Australia, has put his hand up for the next edition of the Indian Premier League, while he is also keen to play on with the Scorchers next summer.
And this year's World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka is also in his sights, but only if selectors feel he truly deserves a berth.
"I've been part of two 50-over World Cups and one Twenty20 World Cup and we didn't do too well in that Twenty20 World Cup," Hogg said.
'So, if they asked me I would definitely put my hand up and say yes.
"At the end of the day, if they're picking the best 15 and they think that I'm in the best 15, I won't say no.
"But there's a lot of good young cricketers around."
Meanwhile, Hogg has urged national selectors to stick with spinner Nathan Lyon for the third Test against India in Perth.
Hogg was controversially left out of the Test team four years ago when Australia opted for a four-man pace attack on what they thought would end up being a fiery wicket.
But the tactic backfired badly as India notched a 72-run victory, with Hogg's replacement - Shaun Tait - wildly misfiring to return match figures of 0 for 92.
"I think you've got to go in with a spinner no matter what conditions you're in," Hogg said.
"And for Nathan Lyon, even if he doesn't get any wickets here it'd be a good lesson for him to bowl on something like the WACA.
"It'll improve his bowling, so I'd be backing them to play the option of the spinner."
Ryan Harris is almost certain to replace the injured James Pattinson, while left-armer Mitchell Starc could squeeze out Lyon.
AAP
Tags: twenty20, sport, cricket, perth-6000 First posted January 09, 2012 20:01:26
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