WACA double-century hero Brad Hodge still frustrated he never got chance to fulfil Test promise

BRAD Hodge was on the brink of a long Test career when he scored a double century at the WACA in 2005. But three Tests later he was dropped, never to return.

Brad Hodge handled an impressive attack with ease back in 2005.

BRAD Hodge was on the brink of a long and promising Test career when he scored a double century against South Africa at the WACA 11 years ago.

He would only play three more Tests for his country across three years, leaving his dream in tatters.

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Ahead of the Perth Test match, which starts on Thursday, Hodge says he has made peace with the fact that he played just six times for his country, but there is the underlying feeling it still burns.

“It (the double ton) was exactly what I thought the Australian cricket team needed at the time, but unfortunately it didn’t last much longer,” he said.

“Of those six Tests, I only made under 25 twice.

Brad Hodge handled an impressive attack with ease back in 2005.

“They’re the things you really look back and struggle to understand.

“That’s the really hard call from the selectors that they made, and I disagree with it, 100 per cent for sure, as a lot of people would.

“Lucky enough for me, I’ve been able to forge a pretty good T20 career and I’ve been able to achieve other things around the world and in this country as well, that have had a huge effect on my life and also other people’s cricketing lives.”

He says the Perth Tests is a special one that brings back good memories for the Victorian star, who has carved out a superb career as a T20 gun for hire.

“It’s a while ago, but it’s a fond memory for me,” Hodge said.

“It’s one of those things, personally, you’re very proud that you were able to achieve something pretty substantial for your country in a Test match.”

Hodge, who finished unbeaten on 203 in the second innings of the drawn Test with the Proteas in 2005, was stuck on 91no overnight and he said it was a nervy sleep.

“You just sort of run through your mind whether you should just try to grind it out for nine singles, or you just go ‘oh well, I’ll have two shots here and get it done’,” he said.

“But you just stick to what you know, pretty much the basics, if you trust yourself and your abilities, then it should work.

“I remember my wife (Megan) flew home on the plane overnight. She had no idea (of his score) and the pilot actually was giving indications about the scores over the PA.”

Brad Hodge celebrates his Test double century at the WACA.

Hodge says he hopes the Perth deck gets its “bouncy nature back” after a lacklustre Test match against New Zealand last year.

“That’s what’s fun about it, that’s what scary about it,” he said.

“Last year I think it was boring as hell, it was like 600 vs. 600 (the Aussies made 559 and New Zealand replied with 624). There was no flavour at all, especially after the Adelaide Test, which was lively and vibrant.”

Despite the feeling the Aussie squad is weakened ahead of this week’s clash with South Africa, Hodge says they are “a bloody good cricket team” and will be tough to beat in Perth.

He singled out all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as the man who holds the key.

“I think (chairman of selectors) Rod Marsh is spot on with Mitchell Marsh,” he said.

“He just needs to fire up a little bit, he’s got the potential and it’ll come, but I think if you’re going to hold down the No. 6, he needs to start making some centuries.

“It’s a pretty important position and if he can fire up, I think everything else will fall into place.”

Hodge calls himself a “Freelance T20 bat” on his Twitter page and he is gearing up for another Big Bash with the Adelaide Strikers.

At age 41, he says “the mind is switched on and hopefully the body follows”.

Brad Hodge pulls a Jacques Rudolph offering to the boundary.

“It’ll come to an end, eventually,” he says.

“If you can’t contribute, on the field and off the field, then I think that’s it, it’s time.

“There’s also other considerations that come in as well — a wife and two kids.”

Hodge has a son, Jesse, 10, and a daughter, Sophie, 7.

He says, after taking the reins of the Gujarat Lions in the IPL and CA XI in the Matador Cup, a coaching career may beckon, but he had made no decisions on what the future holds.

“I love coaching and I reckon there’s some great stuff about it, but if you’re going to make a difference, make a difference, if not, don’t do it,” he said.

“I’m not sure what going to happen in the future.

“For me it’s a bit of time out at the moment, family time and chill out a little bit.”

And maybe watch a bit of Jesse’s cricket in the U12s down at East Sandringham.

Originally published as WACA double-century hero Brad Hodge still frustrated he never got chance to fulfil Test promise