Former England fast bowler Matthew Hoggard will be the star attraction at Carlisle Cricket Club’s annual dinner.

On March 9, the 41-year-old Yorkshireman will appear at Edenside alongside comedian Mark Langley. The event has been organised by Ian Milburn, of IM Events.

"After two previous successful annual dinners, including their 125th anniversary dinner [in 2017], I’m delighted to have secured the services of Ashes-winning bowler Matthew Hoggard to speak at Carlisle’s 2019 event at Edenside on Saturday, March 9," Milburn said.

"Hoggard is one of the most sought-after speakers in the cricketing sphere and he will be ably supported by brilliant Liverpool comedian Mark Langley.”

Hoggard, whose swing bowling claimed 248 wickets in 67 Tests, made his England Test bow in 2000, becoming a regular in the side throughout the next eight years.

He was part of a famous quartet of England fast bowlers, which also included Andrew Flintoff, Simon Jones and Steve Harmison, that wrestled the Ashes back from Australia in one of the most gripping Test series of all time in 2005. In fact Harmison is another to have been to Carlisle in the recent past, having topped the bill at the club’s annual dinner this March alongside former England spinner Shaun Udal.

Hoggard spent more than a decade with his home county, making his debut in 1996, and was a member of their County Championship-winning side in 2001 before he was released in 2009.

He then joined Leicestershire as captain for the start of the 2010 season and led the side to Twenty20 Cup glory in 2011. 

In a side which also included Cumbrian wicket-keeper Paul Nixon, Hoggard opened the bowling in the final and ended with figures of 1-17 from three overs as Leicestershire beat Somerset by 18 runs.

Since his retirement at the end of the 2013 season, Hoggard has forged a career in the media alongside after-dinner speaking.

Priced at £35, tickets will include a two-course meal while there will be a raffle and memorabilia auction conducted by host Milburn.

For details, contact first-team captain Marc Brown on 078952 46999 or chairman Mike Rayson on 079143 28562.

Ahead of the start of their 2019 campaign in the newly-named Cumbria Cricket League, Carlisle have signed Michael Slack as their club professional on a two-year contract.

As the club look to build on their fourth-placed finish during the 2018 season, Carlisle have also confirmed their pre-season training schedule will get under way on February 24.

Taking place at Trinity School, Under-11 training will be 5-6pm, with Under-13 and Under-15 training from 6-7pm, with senior nets 7-9pm.

With sessions being held across five consecutive Sundays, they will cost £20 per child for juniors, with senior rates to be confirmed.