Hodge waits as Tasmania chase Harwood

While Brad Hodge's home ground for next season remains unclear, Tasmania have shown interest in recruiting Shane Harwood, the Victoria fast bowler. Harwood, who missed a contract during the Bushrangers' initial offers, is being considered by the Tigers for a place alongside Adam Griffith, Damien Wright and Andrew Downton.

"We have spoken to Cricket Victoria to say we are interested in talking to him," David Johnston, the Tasmania Cricket Association chief executive, told The Age. "David Boon is handling that and discussing it with his manager. He didn't get much of a go last year and we just want to establish whether he is interested."

The Age reported Cricket Victoria hoped to make an announcement on Hodge yesterday, but he is weighing up the choice between a strong offer from New South Wales and staying with his home state. The Bushrangers are desperate to hold on to Hodge, the Test squad member currently playing in Lancashire, after losing Matthew Elliott and Mathew Innes this month, while Ian Harvey's future is also undecided.