The Bushrangers farewell Hodge
Cricket Victoria has today confirmed that Brad Hodge has played his final match for the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers.
Having retired from first-class cricket in 2009, the 37-year-old recently decided to draw the curtain on his one-day career, but has indicated that he will remain active as a Twenty20 player.
Debuting for Victoria as a teenager in 1993-94, Hodge will long be remembered as one of the state's finest players, representing Victoria with distinction for close to two decades.
"I think it's just time to step aside and let some other guys come through," Hodge said earlier today.
"I'm obviously delighted to have played this long.
"I guess like anyone in the world, once you've done something for so long it's hard to let go.
"There's a lot of good talent that's there (at the Bushrangers). I've done my job, I've presented a good case for players to watch and to learn how to do it and it's been fun along the way.
"I don't feel as if this is retirement because retirement for me was when I retired from four-day cricket. This is more like a changing of the guard."
Having captured three domestic one-day titles for the Bushrangers, Hodge departs the arena at the peak of his powers, currently leading the RYOBI One-Day Cup run scorers' table this season with 312 at 52.
The hard hitting right-hander retires having scored more runs (5597) and struck more centuries (20) than any other player in Australia's domestic one-day history.
"Brad Hodge has been an ornament to the game in Victoria and is a true legend of our domestic scene," Victorian coach Greg Shipperd said.
"He has brought great joy to those who have witnessed the purity and skill of his batting for so many seasons.
"Brad has been instrumental in a period of sustained success for the Bushrangers and has assisted mightily in the development of those around him.
"The Bushrangers brothers will miss his unique talent, but wish him well in the next chapter of his career."
Comments