Matthew Hoggard has said that playing professional cricket for club and country has been a dream come true.
The 36-year-old, who was part of the famous England side that won the Ashes in 2005, announced his retirement from the sport earlier today.
"I want to thank all of my family, friends, my past opponents, the PCA and both Yorkshire and Leicestershire County Cricket Clubs for the support and dedication that they have shown me over the course of my career," read a statement on his website.
"Playing cricket professionally and, of course, playing as part of the national side is a dream that nearly every young boy growing up in Yorkshire shares.
"I feel truly honoured to have been given such incredible opportunities and I am grateful to everyone that I have worked alongside for the past 17 years."
The Leeds-born seamer made his debut for Yorkshire in 1996 before making his Test bow against the West Indies in 2000.
During his career, Hoggard took 786 wickets at an average of 27.56.
Michael Penkman
