Glenn Maxwell Highlights Brad Hodge as an Underrated Cricket Legend
Maxwell's Tribute to Hodge
In a recent episode of the 'Keeping it Cricket' podcast, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell expressed his admiration for former cricketer Brad Hodge, labeling him as an 'underrated' talent. Maxwell reminisced about having 'posters of him on his wall' during his childhood, suggesting that Hodge would have had a more prominent Test career had he played in a different era.
Despite being one of the top red-ball players of his time, Hodge only participated in six Test matches, where he scored a double century. His career was overshadowed by a formidable lineup that included legends like Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, and Michael Clarke.
Maxwell shared his thoughts on Hodge's talent, stating, 'Hodge was an absolute superstar. I was fortunate to play state cricket alongside him. Watching him perform live was a remarkable experience. He certainly deserved more opportunities in Test cricket. In that competitive era, maintaining an average above 50 was crucial for selection. Had he played a generation later, he could have easily reached 120 Test matches, as he was truly exceptional.'
Hodge's Impressive Statistics
Throughout his six Test appearances, Hodge accumulated 503 runs across 11 innings, boasting an impressive average of 55.88, which included one century and two fifties, with a top score of 203*. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he played 25 matches, scoring 575 runs at an average of 30.26, featuring one century and three fifties. In T20 Internationals, he participated in 15 matches, scoring 183 runs at an average of 26.14 and a strike rate of 127.08, with a best score of 36.
In first-class cricket, Hodge amassed 17,084 runs in 388 innings over 223 matches, averaging 48.81, including 51 centuries and 64 fifties, with a highest score of 302*. His List-A cricket statistics include 9,127 runs in 251 matches, averaging 43.25 with 29 centuries and 38 fifties, and a best score of 164. In T20 matches, he scored 10,185 runs in 277 games at an average of 36.84, with two centuries and 48 fifties.
Maxwell Praises Mark Chapman
Maxwell also took the opportunity to commend his teammate Mark Chapman, who plays for the Belfast Wolves in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). He remarked, 'I've had the chance to observe Mark Chapman closely, and his ball striking is impressive, especially considering his size and the fact that he hasn't played Tests for New Zealand. He has truly stood out to me over the past 18 months.'
Chapman, who initially represented Hong Kong before qualifying for New Zealand, has played 37 ODIs, scoring 1,057 runs in 33 innings at an average of 36.44 and a strike rate exceeding 104, including three centuries and five fifties. For New Zealand, he has participated in 35 ODIs, accumulating 906 runs in 31 innings at an average of 32.35 and a strike rate of 104.86, with two centuries and five fifties. In T20Is, he has scored 2,074 runs in 113 matches at an average of 25.92 and a strike rate of 135.73, including one century and ten fifties, with a best score of 104*.