Published: Jan 09, 2014, 08:47 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 09, 2014, 08:48 AM (IST)
Sydney: Jan 9, 2014
Veteran batsman Brad Hodge was on Thursday named in a strong Prime Minister’s XI led by speedster Brett Lee to play England in Canberra next week.
Hodge has not played an international for almost six years but his form for the Melbourne Stars in the domestic Big Bash League has him in line for a call-up to the Australian squad for the World T20 in Bangladesh in March.
Hodge, at 39, is the oldest player in the Prime Minister’s squad to play the 50-over day-night match at Manuka Oval on January 14.
Former Test quick Lee, 37, features in a strong bowling attack which also includes Jackson Bird and Ben Cutting.
Explosive batsmen Chris Lynn and Luke Pomersbach were also chosen.
Hodge averaged 55.88 in six Test appearances for Australia but in his latter years he has shown in the shorter form he can hit a ball as cleanly as anyone.
National selector John Inverarity said Hodge and Lee had plenty still to offer Australian cricket.
“This match is a special fixture on the Australian cricketing calendar. Brett Lee and Brad Hodge bring leadership and experience to the team and will be great drawcards,” Inverarity said.
“Chris Lynn has been in excellent form this season in all forms of the game. Jackson Bird is recovering well from injury and we are keen to increase his workload.”
Prime Minister’s XI: Brett Lee (c), Jackson Bird, Ben Cutting, Peter Handscomb, Brad Hodge, Chris Lynn, Alister McDermott, James Muirhead, Luke Pomersbach, Clive Rose, Michael Spaseski. 12th man — Shane Devoy.
