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Hoggard Joins Leicestershire as Captain

Leicestershire County Cricket Club have pulled off a considerable coup by signing the England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard, and apponting him as their new captain.

Matthew, 32, has played 67 times for England. He was surprisingly released by Yorkshire at the close of the 2009 season, and has been chased by several counties, including Essex, my own home county, and Sussex.

He says he is very impressed by Leicestershire`s policy of encouraging local youngsters. As a member, so am I - there is a great future with players of the calibre of Josh Cobb, Greg Smith, Nathan Buck and the outstanding James Taylor to call on.

Matthew has been offered, and accepted, the challenge of captaining the Leicestershire side. He says he had hoped to become Yorkshire captain, but is looking forward to helping to forge a fine team at his new county.

Other new signings at Grace Road include the former Essex opening batsman Will Jefferson (probably the tallest ever cricketer at six feet ten and a half inches) from Nottinghamshire; and Australian all rounder Andrew McDonald.