UFO Info Week-End

A bowler who is hard-working and as honest as the day is long

A bowler who is hard-working and as honest as the day is long. Every time he walks out to bowl you know you are going to get everything he has to offer. Hiding behind false bravado and making excuses for under-performing are signs of weakness. If you do not admit to yourself there are areas of your game that are not up to scratch, you will never attempt to improve them. It actually takes, and shows, more confidence to be honest and admit to the problems you may be having.Each time his character has been questioned, though, Hoggard has come back strongly and proved his doubters wrong. In this game he was on the receiving end of a blistering hundred by Sanath Jayasuriya. Unflattering figures of 4-0-53-1 were followed by people questioning technical errors in his bowling action as well as his self-belief.Hoggard’s confidence was regarded by some to be weak following comments made earlier in the summer when he was honest enough to admit he was nervous and slightly overawed during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.Some were critical of such honesty, but, to me, it was a sign of strength.

Nasser [Hussain] normally has me fielding in all four corners of the ground by the end of the day and I look forward to feeling their support. I just hope I bowl better than in the last game I played here.”Indeed, the only other game he has played at Headingley for England, a one-day international against Sri Lanka in July, was the lowest point of what has been an excellent summer for the man nicknamed “Shrek” by the former England all-rounder Ian Botham during the winter. Unlike Goughy, I tend to bowl at both ends at Headingley so I don’t field in front of the Western Terrace all the time. In the afternoon – I wonder why – they can be quite scathing about the day you are having, especially if you are perceived to be a southern softie or from the other side of the Pennines.Hoggard went on to say: “I am lucky, I am one of the few who has always got on well with the crowd here and I’m sure I will be in front of them at some stage. Not just to reward the gatemen, the stewards and the staff who have encouraged me and made me feel so welcome here, but to say thanks for the help they have given me on the way up,” said Hoggard.As well as being an inspiration, the Yorkshire crowd can also be your fiercest and most voluble critics. It will be a big family event, they will all be there, especially my dad who is an avid supporter.”It would be great to perform well this week.

“Everybody wants to play a Test match at their home ground, in front of all their friends and supporters. It will be nice to know that there will be a lot of people in the ground supporting me. During this week’s third Test against India at Headingley, Gough runs the risk of losing the position he probably relishes most – the idol of the Western Terrace.While it may not have the notoriety of The Kop at Anfield, the Stretford End at Old Trafford or the Hill at the Sydney Cricket Ground, this fanatical stand of spectators is the closest thing in English cricket to them. Hoggard, who will be playing his first Test match in front of them on Thursday, will be hoping he gains the same roaring support as Gough.Playing in front of his home crowd is a prospect the 25-year-old Hoggard is looking forward to.