Michael Hogan: Glamorgan fast bowling great retires after Kent stint ends

Michael Hogan took the final wicket as Glamorgan won the One-Day Cup in 2021

Glamorgan great Michael Hogan has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

The fast bowler played for Kent this season - making 22 appearances across first-class and T20 cricket - after spending a decade at Glamorgan.

Hogan, 42, was a huge fans' favourite with the Welsh county, claiming 654 wickets across the three formats.

The Australian was due to retire last season but reversed the decision to join Kent on a one-year deal.

Hogan ends his career with 695 first-class wickets at an impressive average of 25.06, as well as 272 wickets across the limited-overs formats.

He did not make his professional debut for Western Australia until the age of 28, having worked as a cricket ground staff member among his previous jobs.

Hogan was the leading wicket-taker in Australian domestic cricket over a five-year period without winning international recognition, but was recruited to Glamorgan by Australian coach Matthew Mott and played around the calendar for four years before concentrating on Glamorgan in later years.

Hogan took over as captain mid-way through 2017, led the club in 2018, and played a starring role in Glamorgan's One-Day Cup triumph in 2021.

Announcing his retirement on social media on Wednesday, Hogan said: "Today is a bittersweet moment for me as I announce my retirement from professional cricket.

"It is a decision after much thought and reflection over the last week, I soon realised there are a few people who need me more than the game, I believe the time has officially come to hang up my boots and move on to the next chapter of my life.

"I'd like to start out by thanking the game of cricket. It's taught me so much about myself over the last 15 years. It's taught me about discipline and perseverance and provided some emotional highs and invaluable lessons both on and off the field.

"I'd like to thank all of my team-mates and coaches for being part of the journey. I've been privileged to have been coached by and to have played with and against some of the best to ever be involved in the game and the friendships and the memories I've made will stay with me for life.

"I also have to thank the often-unsung heroes, the support staff for being part of this incredible journey. I'd hate to think the amount of tape, pain-killers and various injections I've had over the years but nothing was ever too hard.

"To the clubs I've been involved with; WACA, Glamorgan, Kent along with the Hobart Hurricanes and Southern Brave, and of course the lifeblood that come along with these clubs, the supporters. I can't thank you enough for the opportunities and trust, patience and ultimately the belief you have shown in me allowing me to play for such a long period of time.

"Lastly and most importantly, I can't express enough my appreciation to my family, the one constant pillar of strength during this journey.

"The countless days and weeks and more recently months I've spent away from home and still the unwavering support, love and countless sacrifices to fuel my ambitions and enable me to pursue my passion for cricket.

"I am forever indebted to them for standing by my side during the highs and lows of my career.

"In signing off, I hope that I have offered some form of happiness to people at various stages through my career.

"Wherever I have played I feel like I have given everything that I had and I've squeezed every last bit of ability out of my body and now after a few injuries, my body is telling me to stop squeezing. After spending the last week with my family, I know where I'm supposed to be now.

"I wish everyone all the very best and hopefully we cross paths again."