Brad Hogg joins Melbourne Renegades on a one-year deal

Left-arm veteran spinner Brad Hogg has signed a deal for one year with Melbourne Renegades and the team has confirmed his signature. The veteran spinner has taken 125 wickets in 125 domestic T20 appearances with an economy rate of 6.81

Earlier, Perth scorchers team coach Justin Langer said that he is disappointed that Hogg has chosen to leave the club. According to Langer, the Scorchers offered Hogg an improved contract to stay in Perth this season.

“I’m really disappointed about that. What can I say? I’m personally disappointed, professionally disappointed, but it’s his decision and life goes on,” said Langer.

The left-arm chinaman played 54 games with the Scorchers and picked up 51 wickets at an average of 23.66 and he ended up as the second leading wicket-taker for Perth Scorchers.

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“I have been a very fortunate man in every respect and had five great seasons with the Scorchers. It was simply time for me to move on,” Hogg said. “I had been rejecting other BBL offers for years, but this year I realised the end is coming closer – hopefully it’s still a few years away yet – but I know this is the time to grab those opportunities and experience everything I possibly can. The competition between the two Melbourne teams is a fierce rivalry and I want to be a part of that intensity over the BBL season.”

“Melbourne is the sporting hub of the country so I see it as a great honour to play there. It’s also a great team, and the fever pitch of a two-team rivalry, within the competition will be brilliant. Coming from Perth, the only time we get a taste of that is in AFL with the Dockers and Eagles. It’s electrifying.

“The Renegades and Stars games will offer an intense rivalry within the competition itself. It adds an element to the game that I haven’t experienced. The Renegades can win this league and I cannot wait to get out there and feel the roar of that competition.” Added Hogg

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Hogg believes his move is for the best for the Scorchers’ young spin trio of Ashton Agar, James Muirhead, and Ashton Turner.

“Seeing young stars like Agar playing in a World T20 and put in a position which he doesn’t do for the Scorchers.”

“The young guys in Perth need opportunities, I’ve been taking their overs.”

David Saker, the Renegades coach, was pleased with the new signing. “It’s just amazing when you consider that Brad’s still fit, got the fire and more to the point in-demand around the world,” he said. “I don’t think there are many recent summers where we haven’t stood there and applauded his BBL performances.

“His experience goes without saying. He’ll be great for the guys in the group to learn from and you can’t teach the energy and enthusiasm he brings to the club. He loves the battle on the field and we can’t wait to see his competitive side come out in red.” Concluded Saker.