England hero Matthew Hoggard gives verdict on West Indies series, Gus Atkinson and James Anderson retirement
England hero Matthew Hoggard has opened up about the current West Indies series
GETTY
England can secure a series whitewash against the West Indies, according to cricket legend Matthew Hoggard.
The former England, Yorkshire and Leicestershire medium-fast bowler is tipping England to win 3-0 against their famous rivals having won the first test, with the Three Lions already 1-0 up.
Hoggy - who notched up 248 wickets in 67 tests - thinks only the weather can prevent a golden Summer for England against the West Indies.
He said: “If the weather’s kind I think we will win 3-0 in the series. We’ve started brilliantly and I see no reason why that can’t continue and why we won't secure a whitewash. The lads look in fine form.”
England hero Matthew Hoggard has opened up about the current West Indies series
GETTY
Hoggy - who notched up 248 wickets in 67 tests - thinks only the weather can prevent a golden Summer for England against the West Indies.
He said: “If the weather’s kind I think we will win 3-0 in the series. We’ve started brilliantly and I see no reason why that can’t continue and why we won't secure a whitewash. The lads look in fine form.”
Hoggard, 47, is now one of the UK’s leading after dinner speakers and has been following every moment of the first test.
And he’s been impressed with the start made by Gus Atkinson.
He said: “Gus must think test cricket is very easy.
"Obviously, he’ll have days when this doesn’t happen and will have to work a lot harder for his wickets. But he is an exciting prospect and a genuine wicket taker.
“He’s made a great start, but we have to be realistic and not expect him to do it every innings. I am really looking forward to seeing his career develop.”
But one person Hoggard is sad to be seeing come to the end of his career is Jimmy Anderson. The bowler is now bowing out after an illustrious career, and Hoggard says he could not go down as England’s greatest.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
England hero Matthew Hoggard played alongside James Anderson during his own playing days
GETTY
“Jimmy Anderson finishes as England's greatest ever bowler if not cricketer,” he said.
“Finishing up with over 700 test victims is incredible.
England hero Matthew Hoggard has lavished praise on Gus Atkinson
GETTY
"He is the leading pace wicket taker in the world ever and he has led England bowling attack for the last two decades.
"It will be very difficult to replace his skill and control which are second to none."
To find out more about Matthew Hoggard's views visit: https://motivationalspeakersagency.co.uk/.