Hogan confirms Australia exit

Glamorgan will breathe a sigh of relief with the confirmation that Michael Hogan, the Western Australia bowler, is to leave Australia to come and play in county cricket with his British passport.

Justin Langer, the Western Australia coach, had said he would do everything in his power to try and keep Hogan in Australia but his efforts have proved in vain and Hogan will arrive in Cardiff for the start of the new season.

Hogan, 31, took 130 wickets at 27.66 in first-class cricket during his four years at WA - including 30 at 25 in the 2012-13 Sheffield Shield - a record that prompted Langer to increase his efforts to keep Hogan in Perth.

"He has been an excellent servant of WA cricket over the past four years," Langer said. "He made a positive impact during his time here, not only as an outstanding bowler but a popular team member as well.

"Michael has also been an excellent role model, leader and example to all, that if you persevere and work hard, regardless of your age, then you can forge a successful career as a professional cricket player. He will be missed and we wish Michael all the best in the UK."

Glamorgan will be pleased to have secured an experience bowler to replace James Harris, the England Lions bowler who left for Middlesex at the end of last season. Hogan will join experienced left-armer Graham Wagg alongside youngsters Huw Waters, John Glover and Michael Reed in the fast-bowling ranks in Cardiff.

Hogan said he was leaving WA with the side in rude health under Langer. "The signs are really good. There's a lot of young kids who are only going to get better with more experience," he said.

"With Justin in charge he's not going to let anyone off the hook, so the boys will be working really hard to get to that Shield final which we've just missed out on in the past two years. I'd love to see the boys get into one and win one.

"I had a great time, the playing group in particular accepted me as an outsider from day one and I can't thank everyone enough for that."