Hoggard recovering from back injury

Yorkshire:

Matthew Hoggard's been on paternity leave for quite a while now. But he doesn't mind it and neither do the Indians.

He last played against the West Indies and was then ruled out for the rest of the summer due to back spasms. As he tries to get back to form and fitness, Hoggard is being helped by old friend, Allan Donald.

Hoggard has been training and playing with the Yorkshire county team these days after recovering from a back injury.

The 30 year old who missed the test and ODI series against India is now hoping to make a comeback for the tour of Sri Lanka. Even though he might not be part of the squad he has been keeping an eye on his teammates and is quite pleased with the results.

Hoggard credits the recent one-day success of his side to the new team management.

"I just think new management is helping us to focus on the one-dayers as well. We are getting more experienced in the one-dayers. You can't buy experience. The more experience we get, the better we will be," he said.

While Hoggard might be missing out on the experience of playing international cricket right now the pacer is gaining an experience of a different kind.

Payback time

The Yorkshire player has been busy changing nappies for his new born. And apart from that Hoggard has started his very own brand of beer. Quite appropriately, it is called 'nightwatchman'.

But it is his bowling that he stands out for. And with old friend Allan Donald now on as bowling coach Hoggard is hoping to get fitter even quicker.

"I haven't been around. Me and Allan Donald go a long back. I played for the free state for two years, known him for many years. Good to catch up with him and get tips from him. Its beneficial for English cricket," Hoggard said.

Their friendship goes back to 1990. It was on Matthew Hoggard's insistence that Peter Moores spoke to Allan Donald and requested him to take charge.

It's perhaps payback time as Allan Donald helps his old friend to get back in form.