Hodge vows to continue BBL career

Adelaide Strikers’ veteran skipper Brad Hodge has declared he wants to continue playing in the KFC Big Bash League next summer even if he’s not part of the franchise whose season effectively ended last night.

Hodge, who turns 43 next December, said last night he believed his form amid a disappointing campaign for the Strikers coupled with the mentoring role he plays for young batters means he feels there’s a place for him in BBL|07.

Quick Single: Nevill injury scans 'inconclusive'

And while he’s out of contract at the conclusion of this campaign, he has indicated he would consider offers from rival teams even though he would prefer to continue his involvement with Adelaide where he’s played since BBL|04 and captained since last summer.

“I’m gonna play, where that’s at who knows?” Hodge said in the wake of the Strikers’ five-run loss to the Melbourne Renegades in Adelaide last night that left them at the foot of the ladder with no chance of making the finals.

“We just have to wait and see.

“I feel like I’m contributing and contributing well.

“We’ve seen the quality of (45-year-old Renegades spinner Brad) Hogg, and I think I’ve played pretty well this year.

“I love it.”

Adelaide Strikers officials declined to speculate on the playing roster for next summer, pointing out that discussions regarding personnel won’t begin until their campaign formally ends against the Sydney Thunder tomorrow.

However Hodge, who would become the third-oldest player to take part in the KFC BBL behind Hogg and former Test spinner Shane Warne (43) should he be offered a new deal, believes he has the runs on the board.

Despite foreshadowing last month that the current campaign might well be his last. 

Quick Single: Hodge gets his hit but the end is nigh

In his seven appearance for the Strikers this summer, Hodge has scored 247 runs at a strike rate of almost 133 per 100 balls faced, and a highest individual total of 56.

That places him fourth on the list of highest runs scorers for BBL|06 behind Brisbane Heat’s Chris Lynn, his Strikers teammate Ben Dunk and Renegades captain Aaron Finch.

But if he is not offered a deal to continue his on-field role into next season, Hodge has already been mulling over a few post-cricket career options – some more genuine than others.

Including broadcast commentary for which he’s shown a talent when miked up and engaging in lengthy on-field chats as part of Network Ten’s coverage of the BBL.

“I’ll do anything for money, like the rest of us,” laughed Hodge, who coached new Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Lions last year before taking the reins of the Cricket Australia XI during this summer's Matador BBQs One-Day Cup.

“Who knows what the future holds, I didn’t think I would play on this year and I was only going to play on if I had a good season.

“I’ve ticked that box, so what happens next year and where I end up is a different matter and commentary - there’s all sorts of things in life that intrigue me.

“I just have to find out what lies ahead.

“I saw (V8 Supercar driver) James Courtney here before, I asked him if he needed a partner in the Bathurst 12-hour but he said he was full.

“I would like to stay here (with Adelaide), this is a great place to play cricket and I feel I contribute well and teach the guys how to get better.

“And there will be guys that learn from this experience, over the past couple of years I’ve really helped a few people like Travis Head and Alex Ross and there’s a few more that are going to come through that we need to teach.

“That aspect of it is really cool, but who knows where you end up.

“I must say I’m out of contract so we’ll find out soon enough.”