Glenn Maxwell Praises 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 Hodge on his wall' during his childhood, suggesting that had Hodge played in a different era, he would have had a more extensive Test career.
Despite being a remarkable player in red-ball cricket, 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 highlighted Hodge's exceptional skills, stating, 'Hodge was an absolute superstar. I was fortunate to play state cricket alongside him, and witnessing his talent firsthand was incredible. He undoubtedly deserved more opportunities in Test cricket. In that competitive era, maintaining an average above 50 was crucial for selection. If he had played in a later generation, he could have easily amassed 120 Test matches.'
Throughout his six Tests, Hodge accumulated 503 runs across 11 innings, boasting an impressive average of 55.88, which included a century and two fifties, with a top score of 203*. In his One Day International (ODI) career, he played 25 matches, scoring 575 runs at an average of 30.26, featuring one century and three fifties. In T20 Internationals, he scored 183 runs in 15 matches at an average of 26.14.
In first-class cricket, Hodge's statistics are remarkable, with 17,084 runs in 388 innings over 223 matches, averaging 48.81, including 51 centuries. His List-A cricket performance includes 9,127 runs in 251 matches, while in T20s, he scored 2,074 runs in 113 matches.
Maxwell also shared his thoughts on his teammate Mark Chapman from the Belfast Wolves in the European T20 Premier League, praising his impressive ball-striking abilities. 'I've had the chance to see Mark Chapman up close, and he has truly impressed me over the past 18 months,' he noted.
Chapman, who previously represented Hong Kong before qualifying for New Zealand, has played 37 ODIs, scoring 1,057 runs at an average of 36.44. For New Zealand, he has made 35 ODI appearances, accumulating 906 runs. In T20Is, he has scored 2,074 runs in 113 matches, with a best score of 104*.