Gale backs Hoggard character

4:15pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Yorkshire batsman Andrew Gale has praised Baildon bowler Matthew Hoggard for the way he has bounced back into the England reckoning.

Hoggard could play in the first Test match against New Zealand starting at Lord's on Thursday after making the 12-man squad.

The 31-year-old paceman was left out of the last two Tests of the recent winter tour of New Zealand after a dodgy opening game in Hamilton.

But Hoggard has been England's most consistent seamer for the last three years and Gale said: "I thought he was made a scapegoat for England's poor start to that tour and it was harsh to leave him out.

"It has been a real test of character for him but he has gone about his business the way that Hoggy usually does. I am really pleased for him."

Hoggard may not yet be picked in the final 11 to face the Kiwis and, if that is the case, then he could still play for Yorkshire in their County Championship match at Durham starting tomorrow.

The Tykes can nominate one of their starting 11 for Hoggard to replace at any stage during the game if he is released by England, with Gale suggesting that could be 19-year-old bowler Ben Sanderson.

Left-hander Gale, 24, has started 2008 at a rollicking pace with the bat in both forms of the game and scored a magnificent 138 in the opening four-day win against Hampshire at Headingley.

But he will be tested to the full at the Riverside this week against Steve Harmison, one of Hoggard's England sidekicks.

Gale came out on top in a recent Friends Provident Trophy win over Durham, punishing Harmison on his way to a match-clinching 68.

He cannot wait for battle to recommence, saying: "I faced him last Monday and I came out on top then. Hopefully I can do it again.

"He bowled a little bit short at me then and I am sure he will admit that he is still lacking that little bit of rhythm. But the pace was okay and he will only get better."

Gale said of the Riverside clash: "It's going to be a big game as Durham are always strong.

"They haven't started that well but are always a threat with players like Steve Harmison, Michael Di Venuto and Phil Mustard. We will have to be at our best to come out on top."

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