Hoggard joined Leicestershire from his native Yorkshire in November 2009

Former England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard admits he would dearly love to still be part of the Ashes squad.

Leicestershire captain Hoggard was part of the 2005 Ashes-winning side, playing a key part in England's 2-1 series victory with 16 wickets.

"You want to be there," Hoggard told BBC Sport. "You know how exciting it is for the players.

"When you know what they're feeling, you're a little bit jealous of what they're going through in the build-up."

After spectacularly saving the first Test in Brisbane, England now get under way in the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in the early hours of Friday morning.

And Hoggard, who took 7-109 (his best Test figures against the Aussies) in Adelaide four years ago, only to end up on the losing side, is confident that the tourists can maintain their momentum.

"The players are in the best place in the world at the moment," he said.

"There is no tougher challenge than playing Australia in Australia but they are ripe for the picking."

Hoggard's 248 wickets in 67 appearances for England between June 2000 and March 2008 gives him still the sixth highest tally in English Test cricket history.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version