Rudolph impressed by Hoggard

4 June 2008

Tim Bresnan picked up four wickets in Yorkshire's win

Yorkshire Carnegie batsman Jacques Rudolph hailed the comeback performance of Matthew Hoggard in the comfortable six-wicket win over Gloucestershire Gladiators in their Friends Provident Trophy quarter-final at Bristol.

Hoggard had been sidelined for two and a half weeks with a broken thumb inflicted by his England team-mate Steve Harmison.

But Hoggard showed no ill-effects with a return of 3-26 from his 10 overs as the home side were bowled out for 201.

Tim Bresnan (4-31) also caused constant problems for Gloucestershire and then Rudolph ensured Yorkshire would reach the last four with an unbeaten half-century.

Rudolph said: "It was a great team effort. Personally when we won the toss, I thought we were going to bat but the captain (Darren Gough) opted to bowl first and it worked out perfectly.

"Our guys bowled really well. We might have lost it for about 10 to 15 overs when Chris Taylor and Steve Adshead were going well but we pulled it back really well.

"As for Hoggy, that is probably the best I've seen him bowl for some time. To take 3-26 is a great effort and I'm really pleased for him.

"He is a world-class bowler, whether it is a red or a white ball, he will always do well for you.

"He is someone who plays with a lot of passion and a lot of pride and he showed again just what a talent he is for the team."

Craig White (55) gave Yorkshire a solid start before Rudolph ensured Gloucestershire were not handed a lifeline after the Tykes' innings became bogged down.

Rudolph said: "Craig has done really well for us in the one-day competitions. We have had starts in just about every game.

"That makes the job that much easier for the middle order and we were glad to get over the line.

"In their innings, we dropped three catches but for that we would have probably bowled them out for 120 - but it was still a great overall effort."