Rodney Hogg: I’m glad I fired up ‘fantastic’ West Indies

Comments from former Australian quick Rodney Hogg were the motivation behind the West Indies as they hunted a record-breaking win on Australian soil. He’s glad he was able to fire up a ‘fantastic’ side.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Shamar Joseph of the West Indies takes a bow as he celebrates winning the man of the match and man of the series awards during day four of the Second Test match in the series between Australia and West Indies at The Gabba on January 28, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Former Australian fast bowler Rodney Hogg has dipped his lid at the West Indies for proving him wrong.

The colourful Hogg was given a special mention by West Indian captain Kraigg Brathwaite in post match interviews after the stunning upset, claiming Hogg calling his team “pathetic’’ and “hopeless’’ motivated his team.

Windies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite calls out former Aussie quick Rodney Hogg after a win for the ages at the Gabba #AUSvWIpic.twitter.com/OMENyIW7rf

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 28, 2024

“He expressed what he felt about us as a group and we just wanted to let him know we heard him,’’ Brathwaite said.

“His words were extra motivation for us. Playing Test cricket is never easy. This is a new beginning for us.’’

When informed by this masthead of how his words motivated the Windies, Hogg smiled at the fact he had unwittingly spurred them to one of the biggest upset wins in Test history.

Shamar Joseph takes a bow as he celebrates winning the man of the match and man of the series awards. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

“A few days ago Steve Smith was being bagged as a hopeless opening batsmen and the West Indies were crap and now look what’s happened?’’ Hogg told this masthead.

“How good is Test cricket? That’s why we love it.’’

“I think it’s fantastic for West Indian cricket. Good on the underdogs. I thought it would be a three or four day game but I didn’t tip the Windies to win it.

“Obvious Shamah Joseph was incredible.

“For a guy playing his second game it was amazing really. Even just his batting was good.

“Some of his stroke play in the first game reminded me of Garry Sobers.’’