Michael Hogan set for retirement after Glamorgan testimonial in 2022

Michael Hogan, the veteran Australian seamer, will retire from professional cricket at the age of 41 following a testimonial year with Glamorgan in 2022.

A late developer who made his first-class debut at 28 but has since taken 589 wickets across formats for Glamorgan, Hogan was the club's leading wicket-taker in the County Championship in 2021 and took the final wicket in their Royal London Cup final win against Durham in August.

His testimonial year was initially due to be staged in 2020 but has twice been postponed due to the impact of Covid. Hogan joined Glamorgan in 2013, playing through a British passport, and Mark Wallace, the club's director of cricket, suggested he would be a likely inclusion in the county's all-time XI.

"The Testimonial has been a long time coming for Michael and it's hugely deserved after years of incredible service at Glamorgan," Wallace said. "Though we knew this day would eventually come, it is bittersweet because he's been such a good player for us and is so influential, but he certainly deserves to go out on his own terms.

"He's been fantastic for Glamorgan and would probably take a position in our greatest-ever side and that shows just how good he's been since arriving from Australia. He's got a year left with us and knowing Michael he'd like to go out on a high and no doubt there are plenty more wickets left in him before he goes riding off into the sunset."

"I am extremely grateful to the club for postponing my Testimonial and allowing me to hold it next year," Hogan added. "It's been a difficult couple of years on and off the pitch but winning the Royal London Cup made it all worthwhile.

"Wales has felt like home and I'm looking forward to enjoying another successful season at this great club next year before I hang up my boots for good. I'm 40 now and need to spend more time with my young family, while it's probably the right time for Glamorgan to look to the future and start moving in a different direction."

Glamorgan announced last week that David Lloyd would take over from Chris Cooke as club captain for 2022 and have already strengthened their squad for next season by signing Eddie Byrom, James Harris and Sam Northeast. They will expect to challenge for promotion in the Championship after a promising 2021 season.