Hodge makes a point with superb century
Brad Hodge produced a fine century that put his name back in front of the Australian selectors and pushed Victoria into a strong position
Cricinfo staff
24-Mar-2006
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Brad Hodge produced a fine century that put his name back in front of the Australian selectors and pushed Victoria into a strong position on the first day of the Pura Cup final. Queensland's bowlers suffered as Hodge, who was cut from the South Africa tour squad despite a Test average of 58, targeted them, and the Bushrangers were firing on a damp day at the Gabba until they lost three late wickets to finish at 5 for 269.
James Hopes started the surge with the wicket of Nick Jewell, ending a 192-run stand for the third wicket, and Andy Bichel drove the Bulls home by removing Hodge and the captain Cameron White in a spirited spell. Bichel's first delivery with the second new ball deceived Hodge, bowling him for 108, and the Bulls will start day two buoyed by their recovery.
Three sets of showers interrupted the day, including one a minute into the match, and Queensland struck twice in the opening session with Mitchell Johnson and Ashley Noffke removing both openers for 15 with catches to Chris Hartley. Hodge arrived at 2 for 46 and shared a punishing partnership with Jewell as the visitors upset the plans of Queensland, who as hosts need only to draw the five-day match to win the trophy.
Hodge crashed 14 boundaries in an innings that lasted only 168 balls and showed he had re-found his form at a crucial time. Overlooked for Damien Martyn and Michael Clarke, Hodge has said he wants a place on the Bangladesh trip and delivered an ideal calling card.
"I guess that every time I play I have to make runs so that's going to be my job from here on in," he told AAP. "I still feel a part of that [Test] group and my aim is to be back in that group. Today's a pretty good step in trying to achieve that goal."
Hodge's combination with Jewell, who was more patient in crafting 89, ended when his partner hit Hopes to Shane Watson at square leg before Bichel finished with 2 for 56. David Hussey was unbeaten on 20 when he accepted an offer of the light while the nightwatchman Mick Lewis was on zero.