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Hoggard sets Test target
12/05/2008 15:44 - (SA)
London - Matthew Hoggard has set his sights on reaching 250 Test wickets after the England bowler was named in the squad for Thursday's first Test against New Zealand.
Hoggard was dropped for the final two Tests of England's victorious tour to New Zealand earlier this year, but could feature in this week's clash at Lord's.
The Yorkshire seamer is England's sixth highest wicket-taker of all-time with 248 in 67 Tests and wants to take the two wickets he needs to reach the 250 mark at the home of cricket.
"I'll admit to a few butterflies these past few weeks, but there's no point getting too worked up about what you can do to impress the selectors," Hoggard told the Times.
"To a large extent it's out of your hands. All you can do is work as hard as possible in preparation, then go out and take wickets whenever you can.
"I've managed to pick up a few for Yorkshire this season, but I'd like to think there are 248 other reasons why the selectors would be interested in me. If I make the starting XI at Lord's on Thursday, it would be nice to take those next two wickets to notch up 250 in Tests. And a few more after that, I hope."
Hoggard may have to bide his time before reaching that milestone as James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ryan Sidebottom are currently in possession of the pace bowling positions.
Whether the 31-year-old plays or not, he believes it is essential for England to keep a tight rein on New Zealand's big-hitting Brendon McCullum.
"Of the New Zealand batsmen, Brendon McCullum probably looked in the best touch. He made a quick 40-odd in the first innings and looked as though he was picking up where he'd left off in the Indian Premier League," Hoggard added.
"Then again, he's the sort of player who always looks dangerous, but you're never sure how long he'll hang around. We'll be hoping that he doesn't hang around too long at Lord's."
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