For two years Brad Hodge has been the nearly man of Australiancricket
Andrew Miller in St Kitts15-Mar-2007
Brad Hodge: ‘I’m batting in Symonds’ position, and he’s just been named as one of Australia’s all-time greatest players in one-day cricket” © Getty Images
For two years Brad Hodge has been the nearly man of Australiancricket. He was famously dropped despite scoring a double-centuryagainst South Africa at Perth in December 2005, and his appearancesin the one-day scene have been fitful. Until his recentcall-up in the CB Series, he had played just five matches in 13months.Now, however, Andrew Symonds’ bicep injury has given Hodge, 32, achance to push for a permanent place in the batting order,and on the evidence of his performance against Scotland on Wednesday,he will have to earn his keep as an allrounder. “I always knew the potential was there, but it’s just something that’s never really been tapped into for Victoria,” Hodge said after taking1 for 17 – his maiden international wicket – in six tidy overs ofoffspin.”I’ve bowled a fair bit for Lancashire, but I’ve never beentested at this level. It’s interesting and I’m enjoying the challenge.If you can bat, bowl and field then that gives you a good chance tostay in the side and represent Australia in both forms of the game.”Hodge’s performance, which included 29 runs, helped Australia power to a 203-run victory intheir opening fixture of the tournament against Scotland, a display he described as”very business-like”. And his efforts certainly impressed Ricky Ponting, who preferred him to the usual part-time fare ofMichael Clarke. “Conditions over here certainly do favour spin bowlingand we’ve got some good spin bowlers,” Hodge said. “It’s nice for acaptain to have options.”All the same, Hodge knows from experience that he cannot take hiscurrent run in the side for granted. With Symonds itching to get backinto action after his six-week lay-off, the match against Holland onSunday has suddenly assumed extra significance. “Nothing’s a formalityin my mind,” he said. “I’m batting in Symonds’ position, and he’sjust been named as one of Australia’s all-time greatest players inone-day cricket. So my job is just to try and stay in the side as longas possible.
Hodge was impressive in his six-over spell against Scotland, picking up a wicket and conceding 17 runs © Getty Images
“If I can bowl, and bowl well, and give Ricky an option, it’scertainly going to pose a couple of good problems later on down theline. I’m just trying to play the best cricket possible.I’m really enjoying being here and a part of the team.”The fact that Hodge is being tested as a viable bowling option so lateon in Australia’s preparations suggests that the side is unsure oftheir best line-up, but he denied this was the case. “I know as a batsman I wouldn’t want to face our attack,” he said.”It’s pretty devastating at times, and it’s just a matter of findingthat recipe on any given day. Someone can have a good day, someonecan have a bad day, and if Australia continue to have good days, we’ve gota formidable attack.”Brett Lee’s role is filled by Shaun Tait. He’s done apretty good job, and he could come on leaps and bounds in thistournament. In years to come, people could look back and think: ‘Howgood was Tait in that World Cup?’ We’ll just have to wait and see.”Hodge is resigned to his fate if the selectors decide he mustmake way for Symonds, but he feels his recent extendedrun – he’s been ever-present for the last eight ODIs and made two unbeaten 90s and a 49 – will stand him ingood stead for any future recalls. “It’s very hard to put in performances when you get a spasmodic game, but Andrew’s injury gave me another chance, and I’veplayed well,” he said. “It’s good to have that confidence, knowing that if I’mcalled upon again, I’ve had some positive results.”Hodge at least has the backing of a significant member of Australia’selite. “Steve Waugh said before I left this would be a good venue forme,” he said. “He thought I’d be well-suited to West Indianconditions because it’s a fraction slower and I’d adapt quite well. Ifeel I’ve made some good inroads in the last few matches but it’lltake a couple of good performances around the corner to really make mymark on international cricket.”