I don’t understand Cricket Australia or the Australian selectors. They give Brad Hodge a CA contract and then decide to snub him on every occassion, despite being one of our most consistent performers on the domestic scene.
With the way our middle order is currently handling the English bowling, Hodge would be the ideal candidate to step in and steady the ship.
The selectors have already used Shane Watson, the closest thing in the Australian squad to a backup batsman and have dropped Hughes. If Mike Hussey’s lean trot continues, it may be time for the selectors to call on a reliable batsman such as Hodge to fill the void.
I don’t see what’s stopping them, they had no trouble bringing Cameron White into the team in India for a role even he wasn’t sure about.
As much as I admire what Hussey has done for the Australian team over the past few years, it may be time for him to step aside.
davido
Guest
Hodge for Hussey? Big call.
Jameswm
Guest
Hodge has NOT been there and done that. In pressure cooker situations, Hodge looks like a rabbit in the headlights. Ferguson has stood up to a lot of pressure in the one-dayers. Watson is standing up to a lot of pressure now and almost seems to be fighting more than the regulars. Watto is toughing it out and waiting for the bad ball. Why can't Punter and Katch do that? In tough situations, Hodge certainly does NOT inspire me with confidence. Chop I agree with supporting Watson but I don't think that ball he got was great. It pretty much went dead straight and he was late on the shot. It's funny though - Watson's test batting record was ordinary and his only efforts at opening, for Qld, ended in disaster. There was no form to base the selection on, but he's been our best batsman this test and could be the only reason we save it. Go figure. It was also interesting to watch him bat with Warnie commentating. They were mouthing off at Watto and Warnie was saying "don't do that England, he really thrives in it". I think they'll continue to do so though.
Chop
Roar Guru
Harry, what the? 'Watson was found out for what he is “a fill in” by going first ball" If by first ball you mean after he'd scored 62....Yes it was first ball of the day but he batted well on day 1 and got a good one first up.
Michael C
Guest
btw - if 'technical deficiencies' are a concern - - then why are they (the selectors) pushing on with the likes of Warner and Hughes??? if early innings vulnerability outside off stump is a concern, well, gee - - Punter fits that description too.
Michael C
Guest
It seems every excuse on earth is needed to keep Hodge out, whilst every excuse on earth has been used to justify the players included in his place, ....so, as the article questions - - why contract the poor guy??
Whiteline
Guest
Fisher Price got it in one and Harry C, your call about Nielson is being far too kind - another job for one of Punters mates
Harry Callahan
Guest
Ferguson ??? - maybe ! But Hodge has been there and done that so is an obvious choice. Watson was found out for what he is "a fill in" by going first ball. He'll get more early dismissals than 50s as an opener! Hughes should never have been dropped and Hussey cannot keep on being selected based on past glory. Neilsen has also been found out for what he is ... a 2nd rate player from the worst performing state in Oz cricket over the last decade.
Dave
Guest
I think Callum Ferguson is the man they need
FIsher Price
Guest
Hodge should have been in the side since 2005. But his face doesn't fit in Punter's in club.