Lancashire medium-fast bowler Kyle Hogg was forced to announce his retirement this morning due to a severe back injury.
Hogg took 280 championship wickets in 118 matches and will be sorely missed in the county’s do-or-die fixture in Sussex next week, where they need a win to have any chance of surviving the drop.
Cricket director Mike Watkinson labelled Hogg’s service of over a decade to the club as an “outstanding contribution” and was clearly sorry to see him hang up his boots.
“It’s very sad that he has been forced to retire at the peak of his career and we wish him all the best for the future.”
The popular medium-fast bowler was an integral part of Lancashire’s 2011 County Championship winning team.
News of Hogg’s sudden retirement has seen a flurry of well-wishers take to Twitter to praise his efforts during 13 seasons with the Red Rose county.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among the first to Tweet his condolences to the Saddleworth based star.
Great shame… Really good lad…. #KyleHogg http://t.co/7XxT7bgcL4
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 5, 2014
Lancashire opener Paul Horton was one of a number of teammates, past and present, to offer his thoughts on last year’s Championship player of the year.
Sad news today about @kylehogg22 being forced to retire through injury. A great bowler,teammate and friend! Will be sadly missed @LancsCCC
— Paul Horton (@PJHorton20) September 5, 2014
Fellow Lancashire CCC bowler and former England international Kabir Ali also praised Hogg’s contribution to the team.
Sad to see Kyle retire through injury it’s a big loss to @LancsCCC, wishing you all the best for the future pal @kylehogg22.
— Kabir Ali (@Imkabirali) September 5, 2014
Meanwhile many fans opted to look back on Hogg’s best moments and wish him luck for the future.
Gutted for @kylehogg22 . Quality player, good luck in your next chapter. #LCCC
— Mark Flattley (@markflatts) September 5, 2014
Kyle Hogg retires. The game loses another county stalwart. All the best for the future @kylehogg22 #countycricket
— Tom Huelin (@Tomhue1) September 5, 2014
Hogg even received some career advice from England and Lancashire spinner Simon Kerrigan.
Best of luck with the professional Call of duty career @kylehogg22 ☝️#talisman #spearhead
— simon kerrigan (@Kegs10) September 5, 2014
In a statement released earlier today, Hogg said: “I would like to thank everybody at Lancashire County Cricket Club for the support they have shown me over the years – the coaches, staff, team-mates, members and supporters have all had a major influence on my career.
“I will always be a fan of Lancashire – it’s in my blood – and I wish them every success for the future.”
Main image courtesy of LancsCCCOfficial via YouTube, with thanks.
