Matthew Hoggard has earned a permanent place in the game's international hall of fame with his sensational hat-trick which rushed England to victory over the West Indies in Bridgetown, Barbados.

His outstanding achievement brought glowing praise from Yorkshire's director of cricket, David Byas, and Hoggard's former county coach, Martyn Moxon, now in charge at Durham.

The Yorkshire fast bowler's fiery blast sent back Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ryan Hinds as England went 3-0 up in the series, the first they have won in the Caribbean in 36 years.

England's spectacular performances in the West Indies are a triumph for their captain, Michael Vaughan, but it was his Yorkshire colleague Hoggard who stole the show on this occasion.

Hoggard became only the tenth England bowler to take a Test hat-trick and he is the first ever to achieve one on Caribbean soil.

The previous hat-trick for England was taken by Hoggard's former fast bowling partner, Darren Gough, who performed the feat against Australia in Sydney in the 1998-99 series.

England's only two other hat-trick takers against the West Indies are Dominic Cork at Old Trafford in 1995 and Peter Loader at Headingley in 1957.

"I couldn't be more delighted for Matthew who has worked hard at Headingley during the winter months after his disappointments in Sri Lanka before Christmas when he was dropped after the first Test," said Byas.

"Matthew knew that it was very important to re-establish himself in the West Indies and he has done just that. All of his hard work has paid dividends.

"It was a terrific hat-trick and he deserves particular credit for his hat-trick ball which had the left-handed Hinds caught in the slips. It was an outstanding delivery.

"England have now got a superb fast bowling attack and winning the series in the West Indies has captured the imagination of the public and will boost interest in the new domestic season."

Moxon said: "I have sent a text message congratulating Matthew on his fantastic achievement.

"He was very disappointed to be left out in Sri Lanka but he has come roaring back and has cemented his England place.

"Steve Harmison may return home with the main praise but Hoggard, Andy Flintoff and Simon Jones have all made big contributions."

Former Test umpire Dickie Bird has led the tributes for Yorkshire vice-president, Jack Sokell MBE, who has died in hospital in Barnsley, aged 77.

"I have lost a very good friend with Jack's death and he will be sorely missed by many people," said Bird.

Sokell was on the Yorkshire general committee for 29 years up to its disbandment early last year.

Updated: 10:21 Monday, April 05, 2004