Hogan late fruition aids Glamorgan

Three years ago, Glamorgan would not have taken a second look at Michael Hogan as they planned their overseas signings for another county season. He was 27, supposedly approaching his peak, but was just another fast bowler struggling to make the grade, a fast bowler approaching his late twenties without much prospect of a first-class career.

How quickly times have changed. Hogan, at 30, has belatedly established himself as the leader of Western Australia's attack and has made such a mark that he has been named in the Australian Cricketers' Association four-day all-stars team. Add the attraction of a British passport and Glamorgan's success in securing him on a three-year deal has become one of the most intriguing signings of the county season.

Hogan, who will join Glamorgan in July and concentrate primarily on championship cricket, was recommended by his captain, Marcus North, whose own arrival this season will be delayed because of a finger injury and the fact that his wife is in the late stages of pregnancy.

Glamorgan Cricket's head of elite performance, Matthew Mott, said: "We are delighted to have secured Michael's services for at least the next 3 seasons. He is at a great age for us to get him and I think he has got five or six good years of county cricket in him. It is a fantastic time to sign him as he is one of the form bowlers in Australian cricket.

"He is predominantly going to be a four day bowler and you can never have too many fast bowlers. His presence will enable us to share the workload at the back end of the season as well as allowing our very talented young bowlers time to develop. Playing alongside a fresh, mature and established first class bowler will help them as they seek to progress to the next level."

An unexpected phone call from Tom Moody, then Western Australia's coach, during Australia's close season three years ago turned around Hogan's career. He had never played first-class cricket and had shuttled between Sydney grade cricket and seasons spent in his home town of Newcastle, playing for New South Wales Country.