Hodge to end first-class career

Brad Hodge will continue to play limited-overs cricket, possibly for Leicestershire, as he targets the ICC World Twenty20

Australia batsman Brad Hodge has indicated he is about to retire from first-class cricket after giving up hope of a Test recall.

The 34-year-old, who has had spells with Durham, Leicestershire and Lancashire in English county cricket, will play just two more Sheffield Shield games before ending his career in the four-day game.

The move was motivated by the diminishing likelihood of a return to the Test side and a desire to spend more time with his wife and children.

Hodge said: “After a number of years weighing up cricket versus family, I reckon family might have won this battle.

“I guess it came down to lack of opportunities to play Test cricket again. I was just a fill-in for Ricky Ponting if something went wrong. I guess that wasn't enough of an excuse for me.

“I've always wanted to play Test cricket for as long as I can, but what's the difference if I get one more Test now? I want to play 30 or more, but that's not going to happen.”

Reports this week suggested that Hodge was in talks to return to Leicestershire as their second overseas player for the Friends Provident T20 next season.

Counties are permitted two overseas players in next season’s Twenty20 competition, and Hodge, who captained the Foxes in their 2004 title win, would undoubtedly be an asset.

He will continue to play limited-overs cricket for Victoria Bushrangers and Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, and hopes to regain his place in the national team in the shorter forms of the game.

“In a way it's a way to lengthen my career rather than shorten it,” he told the Herald Sun. “It's my last-ditch effort to make the Australian World Twenty20 side.”