Victorian batsman Brad Hodge is adamant his Test career is far from over, despite conceding he is unlikely to get a chance in the upcoming 3-mobile Ashes series against England.
.jpg)
Hodge, who boasts an excellent Test average of 58.16, has not played a Test for Australia since the third Test against South Africa in Sydney in January. But he is confident that if he keeps making runs for both the Bushrangers and his county side Lancashire, he will remain in the eyes of national selectors.
"I'm really confident I can play a good role for Australian cricket in the next few years or so," he said.
But Hodge believes he probably has not done enough for Victoria as yet this season to really press him claims for a spot in the Ashes, having made 182 runs in four Pura Cup innings.
"I'm hitting the ball well. A couple of halfway scores, but not the big score I need to get my name back up in lights," he said.
While he'd love to be part of the Ashes campaign, Hodge is just as keen to play a part in the newly-rebadged Commonwealth Bank Tri Series, ahead of the World Cup.
"You just try to do your best in both forms of the game, and hopefully you can find an avenue in. I guess that's the hardest thing, to try and squeeze in there some how, I guess you have to bide your time," he said.
Hodge signed a two-year extension to his contract with Lancashire this week, and believes the more time he spends playing overseas, the better he will get.
"I really enjoy playing overseas, especially for Lancashire, they're an excellent club to play for, they're very driven and well structured. I think it's beneficial for us guys to have a season or two over there, and I enjoy it over there."
"It's a good opportunity to maintain your form in the off-season and keep hitting cricket balls, and playing cricket and learning about the art of the game," he said.
Hodge played just five matches for Lancashire this season after a neck complaint ruined his season. But he is back fighting fit and hopeful he can add to his memories in the baggy green.
The 31-year-old considers the 2005 Boxing Day Test as one of his favourite memories and he doesn't want it to be his last representing his country on the most famous cricket ground in the land.
"What a great success for a Victorian player to play in front of a Boxing Day crowd. I suppose I didn't perform that well on that given day but it was nice to be able to experience that, especially on Boxing Day, having batted on the 26th," he said.
"It was a special moment. Hopefully I can get another chance."
