Hoggard shares pride at Stamford School's England pace success

Former Test bowler serves on coaching staff at school which has produced Leicestershire pair of Josh Hull and Alex Green

Stamford School is gaining a reputation for producing tall, quick bowlers coveted by England selectors.

Old Stamfordian Josh Hull has already been capped at Test level, while his Leicestershire teammate Alex Green recently played for England at the Under-19 World Cup.

Now, this reputation as a school which manufactures international standard quicks is being aided by a former player of that calibre joining the ranks of their coaching staff, in the form of Matthew Hoggard.

"That's the parents," jokes Hoggard, when asked about Stamford’s burgeoning reputation for producing international fast bowlers.

"They can claim credit for those genetics! We work with the talent that we have and we’re just proud that they've come through our school.

"In a lively catchment area with a lively pool of talent, we're very proud that it's us who have been able to help international players on their journey."

^{Alex Green has broken through into the Leicestershire side (Getty Images)}

Hoggard, who took 248 wickets for his country in 67 Tests, joined Stamford at the beginning of 2025.

"Stamford School's got an amazing reputation so I jumped at the chance and said yes," recalls the former Leicestershire captain, who also spent 13 years playing for his native Yorkshire.

"They're good people to work with and the kids are fantastic, so I was happy to receive the role.

"My first term was getting to know the facilities, coaches and trying to rebuild a cricket programme for that year.

"We looked at how we can use our facilities and space better.

"We also wanted to make sure we continue the fun and enjoyment, as well as ensuring there’s a clear pathway through to playing at county level if they want to go that way."

^{Josh Hull will be hopng to add to his solitary Test cap so far (Getty Images)}

Since joining Stamford, Hoggard has enjoyed the challenge of helping a new generation of talent brought up on short form cricket.

"When you see kids playing reverse sweeps of seamers, your initial thought is 'what are you playing that for?' he says.

"That's the way the game works now so it’s about getting them to play their shots better and more consistently.

"I love it because it opens up so many more opportunities to score.

"As a bowler, you have to think that you’ve got more chance of getting them out and you have to enjoy that challenge."

As a former assistant coach for Loughborough Lightning, Hoggard is particularly keen to develop Stamford’s girls' cricket progamme.

"There's a great vibe from the girls and a lot of talent," he adds.

"Now, we just want to emphasise that fun aspect too to keep them in the game."

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