At long last the Australian selectors have recalled Brad Hodge from international cricket oblivion.
The 39-year-old has been the most shabbily treated talent in the last decade, despite firing season after season for the Vics.
Tonight he’ll make his international comeback for the first time in six years against England in the second of three T20s.
Expect fireworks.
Hodge holds the national record for T20 runs with 5844 at an average 36.98 with a couple of centuries, and he only knows one way to bat – get on with it in a controlled, powerhouse hurry.
He has smacked 603 boundaries and 169 sixes in his 209 T20 games, testimony to his strike power.
A “baby” by comparison at 30, another Victorian Cameron White celebrated his return to international T20s after a break of six years with a lightning 75 off 43 in the first T20 against England in Hobart last Wednesday night.
White has also been a victim of selection blackout, despite being one of the most prolific run-getters in the country.
But like all talented players, he made the most of his recall by slamming six boundaries, and four sixes, in his hurricane innings as an opener that set up the 13-run win.
So it’s time to give the national selectors a pat on the back. They are looking at form rather than players’ date of birth, looking at what individuals can put in, and those who can’t.
That’s why Phil Hughes has been recalled to the Test squad for the three-Test series against the best Test team in the world – South Africa.
There’s a strong argument Hughes should have been selected instead of Shaun Marsh in the first place. It’s ironic Hughes replaces the injured Marsh.
Sometimes there’s justice from left field.
But today the stage is set for Brad Hodge. May he grab the opportunity with both hands, and “slay ’em”.
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