Hodge says he's most deserving

Brad Hodge, the Victoria batsman, has said that there is no one more deserving to play for Australia than him. Hodge has replaced Simon Katich in the squad and is expected to make his Test debut in the second Test against West Indies at Hobart on November 17.

"It has been extremely hard work and ... dedication, it has been a long, hard road and I honestly believe if there is anyone that deserves to play cricket for Australia, it is me," Hodge told AFP. "Having put the work in and the time, and the dedication and certainly the ambition and drive have been there for a long time, it is just a case of honing your skills. You can't replace years and years of experience at the first-class level, you get to develop your game and know exactly what you are trying to achieve in the sport."

Hodge has played 167 first-class games and only Michael Hussey (176), who made his Test debut in the first Test against West Indies at Brisbane, has played more first-class matches before being handed a Test cap.

"I know how hard it is to get in the side, it has taken me a long, long time and if I get my chance I certainly am not going to be giving it up easily," said Hodge. "I guess there are a lot of guys in [Sheffield] Shield cricket who want to play for Australia and if they do it as tough as I have done, then they deserve to play for Australia." Though Australia haven't named their team for the Hobart Test, Hodge said that he thought it "unimaginable" that the selectors would give him a call-up and name him 12th man. ''I'd be surprised if he [Hodge] didn't play,'' Ricky Ponting told Reuters. ''We haven't picked the team yet but I'd imagine he'd be a straight replacement for Simon Katich."

Hodge disagreed with all the focus on Australia's ageing team. "I am only 30. I don't know why this age bracket seems to be a problem because most of the good players who have played for Australia dominated at 30. Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann and also Matthew Hayden got back in at the age of 30 and dominated so if I can do anything half of what they have done, I will be very happy."