Ford Ranger Cup 2006-07

Hodge still missing with leg injury

Cricinfo staff

December 9, 2006

Brad Hodge's injury has come at a bad time © Getty Images

Brad Hodge has been ruled out of Sunday's Ford Ranger Cup match between Victoria and New South Wales at Canberra after failing to recover from a quadriceps strain. Hodge missed the Bushrangers' FR Cup loss to Queensland on Friday but is expected to be fully fit for Victoria's Pura Cup clash with New South Wales starting next Friday.

Hodge, whose injury has come at a most inopportune time given the retirement of Damien Martyn, hoped he still had a chance to play international cricket this summer. "In terms of where [Martyn's decision] leaves me, well, I guess you would say the door's ajar a little more and players on the fringe have a fresh opportunity," Hodge said in a Cricket Victoria statement. "Ultimately that's one for the selectors to decide so all I can do is keep performing."

Ed Cowan has been recalled to the New South Wales line-up, replacing Aaron O'Brien in the 12-man squad. With Simon Katich struggling at the top of the order - he has just 18 runs from three one-day innings since returning from the Champions Trophy - the Blues have given themselves an extra opening option by including Cowan, who made 74 in his only FR Cup innings this season.

O'Brien could consider himself unlucky to miss the game after scoring two half-centuries in four matches in 2006-07. He is the only player to be dropped after the side's disappointing 24-run loss to Queensland on Wednesday.

New South Wales squad Phil Jaques, Simon Katich (capt), Ed Cowan, Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin (wk), Dominic Thornely, David Warner, Nathan Hauritz, Jason Krejza, Nathan Bracken, Aaron Bird, Scott Coyte.

Victoria squad Jon Moss, Michael Klinger, Cameron White (capt), Aiden Blizzard, David Hussey, Robert Quiney, Andrew McDonald, Adam Crosthwaite (wk), Shane Harwood, Clinton McKay, Darren Pattinson, Grant Lindsay.

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