The Church of Brad Hodgeology

There are critics of Hodge who claim his composure under Test level pressure was suspect, and that he never looked comfortable of being able to reproduce his first class form at the highest level. His exclusion from the limited overs teams however is harder to justify.

Hodge was a member of Australia’s 2007 World Cup winning squad, but was rarely utilised in such a dominant team. He was not considered for the 2011 edition of the World Cup, despite Australia having major holes in their batting stocks, and his unbelievable form in Cricket Australia’s trial split innings format preceding the World Cup.

At the age of 39, Brad Hodge has been selected in Australia’s squad for the World T20

Hodge plucked away at his craft, retiring from all but the T20 format, becoming a mercenary for T20 franchises all over the globe. Even in his late 30s being a mainstay in teams like the Rajasthan Royals and Melbourne Stars. Hodge was yet again unlucky to miss out on a World T20 berth in 2012, even after selectors seemed to have picked a squad on BBL form, bringing back another senior in Brad Hogg.

The man who had given so much to Victorian cricket, had accepted his fate, he knew chances were very unlikely that he would ever don a national jersey again. He kept plying his trade for different franchises, instrumental in the Rajasthan Royals charge to the Champions League T20 final and to the Melbourne Stars’ minor premiership in 2013/14.

Then out of the blue after Australia’s complete domination over England in the Tests and ODIs of 2013/14, Hodge was selected for the home T20s against the English after being the inform batsman of the BBL. His selection was six years after he had last played a T20 International, that too at the MCG in 2008.

This selection allowed for Hodge to gain cult status, this time not only by Victorians, but the Australian cricket public at large. Unfortunately, it was not a fairytale return to the Mighty G for Victoria’s forgotten son in national clothing. His return to the top level did lay the platform for him to be in a position to finish his international career in a manner fitting to the skills he possesses.

Hodge’s inclusion in the home T20 series, paved the way for him to travel to South Africa on the road to the World T20 in Bangladesh. Important contributions in Australia’s victories over the Proteas in the T20 series leading up to the World T20 strengthened his cult status in a team that boasts many T20 all stars – including Finch, Warner and Watson.

Were Australia to win the upcoming World T20, and that too on the back a few stellar knocks by Hodge, it would be the ultimate redemption for Hodge and his supporters. The outspoken Victorian can have his say, and hit back at former selection committees – especially the controversial committee lead by Andrew Hilditch at his non-selection in years gone by – with runs, and hopefully a(nother) World Cup winners medal. For now though, the loyal followers of the Church of Brad Hodgology are just ecstatic that he’s finally representing Australia one last time before he calls it curtains on a stellar career.