Hodge in line for Australian call-up

Brad Hodge's prolific domestic form for Victoria looks likely to earn him a place in the Australian squad for the Test leg of their New Zealand tour. With Darren Lehmann's shoulder injury ruling him out there is a vacancy for a middle-order batsman and Hodge has done his case no harm in recent weeks by piling up the runs for his state.

Last week he scored 141 and 88 against Tasmania in front of the national selector Andrew Hilditch, following on from his unbeaten 204 against South Australia in the previous round of Pura Cup matches. He has now made 735 runs at an average of 61.25 from seven matches despite a relatively slow start to season.

Hodge, 30, was overlooked for the one-day series with Michael Hussey preferred as Lehmann's replacement because of his ability to bowl some medium pace but the Australian selection panel are known for rewarding strong domestic performances. Hodge was a member of the Australian squad that toured India in October but missed out on a first Test cap as Simon Katich was given an opportunity. Katich is likely to get the first chance against New Zealand but he is still not a certainty and if he fails to take his opportunity Hodge could get his Test debut.

He has been a regular member of Australia A squads but has just failed to break into the senior side in an era when there is no shortage of good batsman challenging for a place in the middle-order. But Australian batsmen have a history of being late developers, with the likes of Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann and Matthew Hayden having success in the second half of their careers. If Hodge does get the call it would increase the chances of him being named in the Ashes squad, which would impact on his county contract with Lancashire.

The rest of the Test squad should pick itself, with the fitness of allrounder Shane Watson the only issue still to be resolved. The battle between Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz is set to resume after Kasprowicz held the role of the third fast bowler for the Australian summer. But now Lee may get his chance in the Test arena after his recent success in the VB Series and one-day internationals in New Zealand.