Hodge returns for Sheffield Shield clash

Brad Hodge has been passed fit to return for Victoria in their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland starting at the MCG on Friday. Hodge missed the previous match with hamstring tightness and has been included in the 12-man squad at the expense of Lloyd Mash.

He is expected to replace Rob Quiney in the starting line-up with no other changes to the squad that beat Western Australia. Nick Jewell, the Victoria opener, said the state's depth had been tested due to a string of injuries, especially to the fast bowlers, and the players were making their mark.

"We've been challenged with injuries recently but the guys have stood up really well and we've had a good spread of contributors," Jewell said. "Hodge is obviously a great inclusion but hopefully once again there's a number of other blokes who stick their hands up and take their opportunities. Queensland have got a few young guys coming through who are performing well so it promises to be a cracking game."

Victoria squad Nick Jewell, Chris Rogers, Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Cameron White (capt), Andrew McDonald, Rob Quiney, Matthew Wade (wk), John Hastings, Clint McKay, Darren Pattinson, Bryce McGain.

Queensland squad Ryan Broad, Nick Kruger, Lee Carseldine, Wade Townsend, Nathan Reardon, Chris Simpson (capt), Chris Hartley (wk), Ben Cutting, Daniel Doran, Luke Feldman, Nathan Rimmington, Scott Walter.