Australia's Brad Hodge to retire from first-class cricket - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Australian batsman Brad Hodge will be announcing his retirement from first-class cricket, after playing two more Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria. Hodge has stepped down in order to spend more time with his family. He also has to deal with his wife's health issues and his frustration at not being selected for the Australian Test team despite scoring tons of runs. "It's been a wonderful journey, which hopefully has more to go at limited-overs and Twenty20 level. I've loved every time I've pulled on the navy blue cap and it was a dream come true to swap it for a baggy green for the times I did," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hodge, as saying. "Playing Test cricket for Australia was an incredible experience and I feel proud and blessed to have had that opportunity. Hopefully this decision will allow me to continue playing good cricket and also spend more time with my young family," he added. Meanwhile, Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide said that Hodge has been a champion player for the side, who has achieved almost every honour available. "Throughout his career he has shouldered the bulk of the batting responsibilities, maintaining an excellent record and playing a huge role in Victoria's success over that time," Dodemaide said. The 34-year-old ends his six-Test career with an average of 55.88, having last played a Test for Australia in May 2008. He had a top Test score of 203 not out, made against South Africa in Perth in December 2005. Hodge's final four-day match for the Bushrangers will start on December 18 against New South Wales.