Always well respected for being a good bowler and excellent team man, Hoggard finally stepped out of Stephen Harmison's considerable shadow to acquire superstar status on the 2004/5 tour of South Africa.

The Yorkshireman had more than willingly played the role of silent partner in Michael Vaughan's devastating opening bowling pairing, effectively chipping away at the West Indies and New Zealand while Harmison returned headline-grabbing figures such as 7-12 at Sabina Park.

But when the homesick Geordie failed to convince against the Proteas it was the less flamboyant Hoggard who rose to the occasion, most notably with a match-winning 12-wicket haul in the decisive Wanderers Test.

A doughty swing bowler viewed initially by some as capable of impacting only in helpful English conditions, few would now repeat that mistaken accusation against the much-improved 28-year-old.

His presence of mind for team ethic is further shown by the vast development in his batting.

An accomplished blocker who struggles to get the ball off the square, he has developed from meekest of rabbits to a stubborn limpit and is happy to stick around while more illustrious partners add crucial runs.

After mixed reviews following a 2000 debut against the West Indies, Hoggard never truly convinced the doubters before being brutally dealt with in the 2002-03 Ashes series.

But some welcome maturity and the appointment of long-time Headingley colleague Vaughan have given the player a belief in himself as a Test bowler, a view which has proven contagious.

One exception is Australian great Jeff Thomson, who labelled Hoggard a `net bowler' in comparison to Glenn McGrath.

Considering that the England man's best years remain ahead of him those words may come back to haunt Denis Lillee's erstwhile partner – Hoggard is surely odds-on to surpass Thomson's 200 Test wickets.

Those comments will in any case be music to Hoggard's ears, he thrives on being underestimated and will be delighted should Ricky Ponting make the same mistake this summer.