Langer hopes to halt Hogan deal

Justin Langer, the Western Australia coach, will do "everything he can" to stop Michael Hogan joining Glamorgan for the English season.

Hogan, a 31-year-old fast bowler, is set for a move to Glamorgan on a two-year deal as a British passport holder. The contract requires him to forego playing as a domestic cricketer in Australia.

But Langer is desperate to keep him in Perth, describing him as a cornerstone of the Western Australian attack who could also help mentor the state's youngsters. "He's our best bowler," Langer said. "I am doing everything I can to talk him into staying."

Hogan has taken 117 first-class wickets at 28.57 in his career and has 17 wickets at 27.61 in this season's Sheffield Shield, where Western Australia sit bottom of the table.

Should he make a u-turn it would replicate the decision of Alviro Petersen, the South Africa batsman, who had signed a similar deal with Glamorgan only to decide he would remain as a South African-based player after all.

Such recruitment decisions will be analysed by former Somerset director of cricket Brian Rose, who has been appointed to conduct an independent review of Glamorgan.

Rose, who left his post at Somerset at the end of last season, will review, among other things, the coaching structure and player development pathway. He will meet key figures from the county and his initial findings are expected by the start of April.

"Brian has extensive cricket experience and is widely respected," Glamorgan chief executive Alan Hamer said. "We are delighted that he has agreed to help with this review, which underpins our respective strategic plans."

Cricket Wales chief executive Peter Hybart added: "We welcome Brian's involvement and are committed to increasing the numbers of talented young cricketers capable of playing professional cricket for Glamorgan."