13 April,2016 11:08 AM IST | | PTI
With Kolkata Knight Riders' premier spinner Sunil Narine back in the squad, Brad Hogg's place in the team may be uncertain but the Australian veteran today said they share a lot of mutual respect in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket tournament
Brad Hogg
Kolkata: With Kolkata Knight Riders' premier spinner Sunil Narine back in the squad, Brad Hogg's place in the team may be uncertain but the Australian veteran today said they share a lot of mutual respect in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket tournament.
Brad Hogg. Pic/AFP
Terming the West Indian off-spinner as a class act, Hogg said: "He (Narine) is sorely missed. It's disappointing with what happened with him personally and with his action. He's a class act, he's got the skill. He's sorely missed through that World Twenty20. It's great to have him back.
"As individuals, we want to be on par. But it's a team. If I'm not playing and he takes my spot, I still have got to create the energy in the changing room and make sure everyone is up for the challenge. It doesn't matter whether you're playing or not, you still can play a part," he said.
With his childlike enthusiasm, Hogg said he always keeps the dressing room alive.
"I'm fairly energetic. If I'm quiet, upset and get stressed because I'm not playing, everyone else will feel that and will bring everyone down. I cannot afford to do that. It's a team game and we all play a part. When we get our chances in
the middle, we got to do our role," said the 45-year-old chinaman bowler.
"It's good having myself and Sunil putting the pressure and when we put pressure on each other to perform it's good and respectful competition between us," he said.
West Indies spinner Sunil Narine
Cleared by the ICC after a remedial action, Narine had to rush back home due to father's demise.
"Hope his family is well after the passing of his father. It's sad news but life goes on and hopefully we can put him into a great space when he gets in," Hogg said.
Hogg said Narine would not lose any sting in his bowling.
"I remember taking some balls from him and his action was perfect. We all know he can do it without the restriction, he can do it legitimately. Let me tell you I was struggling to pick him up from other end when he was bowling the doosra and I thought it was going the other way."
