London: English county Leicestershire confirmed on Thursday it had signed India batsman Virender Sehwag and Australia A's Brad Hogg as its two permitted overseas players for the 2003 season.Sehwag, 24, has established himself as one of world cricket's most aggressive top-order batsmen, with an average of 41.125 from his 14 Tests.But he has been especially effective in One-day cricket and his blazing stroke play is set to be a major feature of India's efforts at the forthcoming World Cup. He impressed Leicestershire during India's tour of England last year. Hogg, 29, also caught the Midlands county's eye during a month-long spell with rivals Durham.Leicestershire head coach Phil Whitticase said, "We are delighted to have agreed contracts with Virender and Brad. Virender is recognised as one of the best young batsmen in world cricket and Brad is on the verge of the Australian side."Both are predominantly top order batsmen, but they are both off spin bowlers and exceptional fielders as well. Their all round abilities give us many other options, and I am sure they will both be very popular with the Leicestershire members and public."Sehwag was involved in one of cricket's biggest recent controversies when in 2001 he received a One-game ban for excessive appealing in the second Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth.The actions of match referee Mike Denness, the former England captain, who also censured four other Indian players, led to a major row between India and the International Cricket Council (ICC).Hogg, who made his first-class debut for Victoria in 1993, said, "I'm delighted to be given the opportunity by Leicestershire CCC to play a full season of county cricket."I really enjoyed my short stint last year at Durham and I'm looking forward to the challenge of scoring runs and trying to win competitions with Leicester."Leicestershire has suffered several close season departures amid claims of dressing room unrest provoked by the county going back on agreements. Last season Leicestershire finished fifth in the County Championship, far behind champions Surrey and sixth in the National League One-day event.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Post your views