Hoggard joins England rivals

Matthew Hoggard faces the prospect of lining up against England in the Hong Kong Sixes.

The Yorkshire seamer, who has not played for his country since March, has signed for the All-Stars team in next month’s six-a-side competition.

He joins a team featuring West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, former Australia opener Justin Langer and ex-New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming.

And Hoggard could face England in the latter stages of the competition if both sides progress from their groups.

“It will be an honour teaming up with such world-class players as Shiv, Justin and Stephen for what promises to be a great tournament,” said Hoggard, who has taken 248 wickets in 67 Tests.

Matthew Hoggard is relishing the prospect of lining up for the All-Stars in Hong Kong next month

“We’re going to enjoy ourselves and have plenty of fun, but at the same time we’ll be deadly serious about trying to win the tournament.

“The All-Stars were runners-up in 2007 and we’d like nothing more than to improve on that and lift the trophy this year.”

Tournament director Mark Burns added: “Matthew is one of the most recognisable players in world cricket and we are delighted he will be appearing at the Sixes for the first time this year.

“He is an outstanding fast bowler and will be the perfect complement to the All-Stars’ powerful batting line-up. I’m certain Hong Kong fans are going to enjoy watching him.”

England will be led by Dimitri Mascarenhas, and also boast Graham Napier, Tim Bresnan, Darren Maddy, Ed Joyce, Jonathan Trott and Graham Wagg in their squad.

The All-Stars will face Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Australia in the Sobers Group, while England, South Africa, India and Pakistan make up the Bradman Group.

The top two teams from each group will go through to a round-robin semi-final, with the winners and runners-up in that group to contest the final.

Tickets for the tournament, which takes place at Kowloon Cricket Club in Honk Kong on November 8-9, go on sale to the public tomorrow.