Hodge primed for Bush Bash

Less than a fortnight out from the opening round of the KFC T20 Big Bash League at the MCG, Hodge, who has not played since injuring his knee while fielding during a Champions League semi-final for Rajasthan in October, will turn out for Melbourne in two Twenty20 fixtures against Monash Tigers and Melbourne Uni on the border.

For a successive summer, the Bush Bash will be staged as a round-robin Twenty20 event at five regional centres including Ballarat, Morwell, Swan Hill and Warrnambool. 

“The knee is feeling really good, I’m almost back to 100%,” Hodge said.

 “I really like the concept (of the Bush Bash). It’s the perfect lead into the Big Bash and it’s a lot of fun for the teams to play country round.

“Two games might be tough with the knee the way it is but I will see how I go.”

Melbourne Stars teammate Alexander Keath is expected to line up alongside Hodge and Melbourne Renegades batsman Michael Hill for the Demons.

A number of other Renegades are also expected to be scattered across the state including Will Sheridan and Aaron O’Brien playing for the Monash Tigers in Cobram, while Daniel Harris will represent Fitzroy-Doncaster in Gippsland.

Renegades paceman James Pattinson will continue his comeback as a batsman only for Dandenong in Ballarat with two matches against St Kilda and Greenvale Kangaroos.

“It’s good to be back playing cricket,” Pattinson said.

“I enjoy playing country round…so hopefully Dandenong can put on a show.”

To learn more about the Bartercard Bush Bash including full fixtures, click here.