The absence of Darren Gough and Andy Caddick in India left Hoggard as the spearhead of one of the most inexperienced bowling attacks ever to take the field for England in a Test series.
The Yorkshireman emerged with credit for containing India's top order, but it was in New Zealand where he achieved his greatest rewards, most notably when taking seven for 63 as the home side were bowled out for 228 in the first innings Christchurch.
He did it by bowling to a consistently full length and swinging the ball from leg to off, but was taught a valuable lesson on the final day when he bore the brunt of Nathan Astle's astonishing display of hitting before finally dismissing hm for 222 to clinch a 98-run win for England.
Hoggard took 26 Test wickets in all during the winter at a cost of 26 each, but may find himself relegated to the role of third seamer against Sri Lanka and India with Darren Gough and Andy Caddick likely to resume their successful new ball partnership.
A strong physique means he is not prone to the same number of injuries which afflict many young fast bowlers and whatever role the selectors allocate to him, they can rely on him to do it to the best of his ability.
