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Test squad Hodge's reward
March 2, 2005

VICTORIAN batsman Brad Hodge has been named in the Australian squad for this month's three-Test series with New Zealand.

Hodge is in the squad for a second time having made the tour to India late last year, where he played just one first-class fixture and made 30 and 29 not out against Mumbai.

National selection chairman Trevor Hohns said Hodge's inclusion is reward for another fine domestic season.

The squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist (v-capt), Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Michael Kasprowicz, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne

Darren Lehmann better hope he fails or it could be curtains for boof thanks to the surgery that kept him out of this series.

I don't think he would have been picked anyway. I think he's finished as far as playing for Australia is concerned.

I think Hodge is one of those players who can make plenty against ordinary attacks yet cant seem to do it against the elite. I dont think he will get a test anyway.

Top call Ron. Hodge has never even played a test so ur bagging him before he's even had a go. He made a double ton against India when they were out here 2 years ago.

Hodge has to prove himself against a bigger bowling side than INDIA, common india's bowling attack is like a sunday league team and honestly sometimes not strong enough for international cricket.. they know they have the batting to save them but that struggles soemtimes too... if hodge wants to prove himself he has to hit big runs against the Pakistan or West Indies bowling