Australian-born veteran bowler Michael Hogan on Kent Spitfires’ campaign-opening T20 Blast win over Gloucestershire

Australian-born veteran Michael Hogan joked the “Anzacs” are now leading the Kent Spitfires’ bowling attack after their campaign-opening T20 Blast win.

Hogan starred in their seven-wicket home success over Gloucestershire on Wednesday night as he claimed 3-13 from his four overs to help dismiss the visitors for a measly 113.

He’s been joined in The Spitfires’ squad by Australian overseas fast bowler Kane Richardson while all-rounder Grant Stewart - an Italian international due to his mother’s background - originally is from New South Wales, like Hogan. But both 41-year-old Hogan and Stewart qualify as domestic players.

The term “Anzac” is typically used to describe someone from the Australian or New Zealand Army Corps. All three of Hogan, debutant Richardson and Stewart (2-22) were among the wickets against Gloucestershire.

“That’s another one in,” said the Newcastle-born seamer. “It’s the Anzacs in the bowling attack!

“It’s nice to have Richo. We’ve crossed paths at times in Australia so I know him a little bit. He’s a quality performer.

“Probably, it wasn’t his best game but, still, he showed what he can do at the end. He came back and took two wickets.

“He may be a bit rusty - which is a good thing for us - because when he’s on it, we’re flying.”

Richardson’s first over in a Kent shirt didn’t exactly go to plan, going for 19, which included a no-ball and three boundaries, while fellow overseas South African all-rounder George Linde (0-29) - making his first Spitfires first-team appearance of 2023 - proved similarly expensive in his opening over.

But the pair recovered well as 32-year-old Richardson took two wickets in two balls to mop up Gloucestershire’s tail to finish with 2-26 while he also held onto a catch.

Hogan