Internet Desk: Former Australia china man bowler Brad Hogg has revealed in his autobiography that retirement and a marriage breakdown led him to contemplate ending his life.
Hogg, who played a crucial role in Australia winning the 2003 and 2007 World Cups was forced to retire from the game in a bid to save his marriage to former wife Andrea.
In his autobiography, “The Wrong ‘Un”, released on Monday, he narrates the difficult times he went through in the next three years after retirement. After separating from his wife, he turned to alcohol and was unable to find contentment in an office job.
“I parked my car at (Fremantle’s) Port Beach and went for a walk,” he writes.
“I’d stare at the sea and think, I could swim out to that groyne (stone or concrete structure), and if I make it back, fine. If I don’t make it back … well, hard luck.
“I was prepared to let fate decide. I was in a really dark place. I did that drive four times. And each time I thought about doing something really drastic.
“Thinking and doing are two completely different things, thankfully.”
Regarded as one of one of cricket’s fun-loving characters, Hoggy (known by his teammates) took 156 wickets in 123 ODI’s. He also became the oldest cricketer in the history of Indian Premier League when he joined Kolkata Knight Riders at the age of 44 years. He also plays for Big Bash League side Melbourne Renegades.