Hodge expected to stay with Victoria

New South Wales have almost given up on the shock recruiting of Brad Hodge, who is expected to remain with Victoria. Hodge, currently playing with Lancashire, was targeted by the Blues after a season that won him a place in the national Test squad, but David Gilbert, the New South Wales chief executive, said it would be "a miracle" if he moved to Sydney.

"We knew from the outset it would be difficult to get him away from Victoria, because he's a Vic through and through, but it was certainly worth a shot," Gilbert told the Sydney Morning Herald. "But hearing that he's been discussing his life after cricket with Victoria while we haven't been asked about that makes me less than optimistic."

The comments are a positive sign for Victoria, who have already lost Matthew Elliott and Mathew Inness and are waiting for a decision from Ian Harvey. The Age reported Harvey, the former limited-overs international, was believed to have been offered a one-year deal and was looking at options in other states.

Lancashire will have Marcus North, the Western Australia batsman, as their replacement for Hodge when he goes on international duty during the Ashes series. North hit 747 Pura Cup runs for his state last summer and played at Durham in 2004. "He is a young player who has had success in his game and is keen to show his talents in the UK," Mike Watkinson, the Lancashire cricket manager, told PA. "We are delighted that he has agreed to come to Old Trafford."