The highly energetic 43-years young Brad Hogg, who has been in top form in the domestic Big Bash League with his wrist spin which is proving hard to handle, while Brad Hodge, 39, who has been prolific with the bat for the Melbourne Stars in the same competition, have been selected for Australia’s T20 squad to be held in Bangaldesh next month.
If Hogg takes the field, he is set to become the oldest player in the history of international T20 cricket as Australia eye their first trophy after four unsuccessful shots at the coveted trophy.
Another veteran, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, 36, is also included in a 15-man squad captained by George Bailey and also has players like Mitchell Johnson, David Warner, Shane Watson, and Glenn Maxwell.
Hogg, who effectively reitred from international career following one-day international series at the end of the 2007-08 summer, but he returned to play a handful of T20 internationals for Australia in 2012.
“Once again Brad bowled very well for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League and many batsmen found him difficult to read,” said National Selector John Inverarity.
“Despite his age, his enthusiasm and fitness are undiminished.”
On Hodge, Inverarity added: “Brad Hodge has made a great number of Twenty20 runs on the sub-continent and played many match defining innings there.
“He will provide the squad with a great deal of calm experience and knowledge.”
While Austraian squad is full of experience, there was also room for a young turk like leg-spinner James Muirhead, 20, who was only three years old when Hogg made his Test debut for Australia in India in 1996.
Australia begin their tournament on March 23 against Pakistan at Mirpur, but first they head to South Africa for a three-match series of T20 International.
Australia’s squad for World T20: George Bailey (capt), Dan Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Glenn Maxwell, James Muirhead, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
