Renegades go the whole Hogg with love for Brad

Any concerns about this being the season when Brad Hogg's form finally started to wane were put to rest with a four-over spell of 2-22 that was as entertaining as it was bamboozling in the Melbourne Renegades' 49-run win against the Sydney Thunder.

The wily left-arm wrist-spinner made the controversial decision to leave the Perth Scorchers – and their dedicated fanbase – to move east to don Renegades red in the sixth season of KFC Big Bash League.

To say Hogg was warmly welcomed by his new home crowd at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night would be a major understatement, with the loudest cheer of the player introductions reserved for the 45-year-old recruit with No.31 on his back.

Hogg helped keep the pressure on the defending champions in the run chase with 12 dot balls to go with the wickets of set batsmen Ryan Gibson and Ben Rohrer.

In a humorous reflection on his own performance, Hogg detailed the wicket of opener Gibson that came as a result of a rank short ball and somehow ended in a return catch.

"Yeah I saw him coming and just dug it in," Hogg said, cheekily trying to claim it was all part of a plan. The ruse was quickly up.

"Look, it was pretty poor cricket all round, really," Hogg added with a laugh.

"I'm sure Gibbo will be laughing about it later on."

And despite making his international debut more than 20 years ago, Hogg suggests he has already started thinking about the prospect of BBL|07 – such is the joy that a trip across the Nullarbor has delivered.

"I'm loving it, absolutely loving it," the always-entertaining Hogg said of his time in Melbourne so far.

"I got here December 1 and had a great time (playing) down in Geelong.

"If I'm fit enough and asked to come back next year I'll be trying to come back a little bit earlier as well.

"It's been a fantastic move for me, not only from a cricket aspect but also an experience aspect."

While evidently thrilled to still be playing in the BBL – and playing well at that – Hogg now faces a much-anticipated clash with old side back at Docklands on Thursday.

Hogg enjoyed years of success with the franchise out west – including back-to-back titles.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Hogg said with another cheeky grin.

"I had a great five years and had plenty of success there. You can't take that away and they're going to be memories forever.

"It was a great period of my life. Now I've turned a new corner, I'm with the Renegades and it's about making a good impression here."

Based on his performance last night and the response from fans, it's clear that a good impression has well and truly been made.

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