Michael Hogan has backed new Glamorgan fast bowler Timm van der Gugten to put the frighteners on batsmen this season.
Australian paceman Hogan will be paired with the Dutchman when the county’s Specsavers County Championship Division Two campaign begins on April 17 with a home match against Leicestershire.
Van der Gugten is a Netherlands international who was born and raised in Australia. He may be short on experience, but not on speed, according to Hogan.
“He’s got that 85-90mph factor about him,” said Horgan. “That’s something we haven’t had for a few years – somebody who can hurry the batsman – so it’ll be interesting to see how he goes.
“He’s somebody who can perhaps scare a few guys in this division.”
Van der Gugten, 24, was born in Australia and has played for New South Wales, Tasmania and Hobart Hurricanes, as well as Northern Districts in New Zealand’s Georgie Pie Super Smash.
He has played in four ODIs for Netherlands, taking eight wickets at 10.62, and 19 T20 internationals, where he averages 21.47. He featured against England in the 2014 World T20, taking 1 for 11 from three overs as Netherlands completed a memorable upset.
Van der Gugten has joined Hogan, Graham Wagg and all-rounder Craig Meschede, who has become a permanent signing from Somerset, to strengthen a bowling attack which Hogan believes can prove successful.
The former Australia Test star, back from a final stint playing for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield Down Under, added: “We’ve some quality options that we can go to. These guys have done well before and it’s good to see that sort of depth in our squad.
“I like to play every game I’m involved with but I suppose if you get a bit flat and you have the opportunity to have a rest, we have got a bit more depth now.”
After taking 4 for 29 in his final state game for Western Australia, Hogan admitted he was excited to be back in South Wales, with Glamorgan eyeing success across all three formats.
He added: “I had a decent winter season and it was really nice to go out on a high over there and I’m very happy to be here now.
“We’re looking for improvement on where we were last year, so you never know. There are good signs for the future.”
Glamorgan 2016.
Coach: Robert Croft
Captain: Jacques Rudolph
Last season
Championship: 4th Div 2; NatWest Blast: 6th South Group; Royal London Cup: 8th Group B
In: Craig Meschede (Somerset), Nick Selman, Timm van der Gugten (Dutch passport), Harry Podmore (Middlesex, loan)
Out: Ben Wright (retired)
Overseas: Jacques Rudolph