SYDNEY, (REUTERS)
BRAD HODGE CELEBRATED his inclusion in the Australian Test squad with a brilliant century on the opening day of Victoria's three-day match against the touring West Indies on Friday.
Hodge, who was called into the 12-man squad in place of Simon Katich, smashed 177 as the locals piled on 441 for four when bad light ended play early.
He belted 23 boundaries and five sixes off 178 balls, before being caught by substitute fieldsman Daren Powell off the bowling of off spinner Marlon Samuels.
Samuels also captured the wickets of Lloyd Mash (44) and Nick Jewell (59). Opener Michael Klinger was run out for two, but the West Indian quicks failed to make an impact.
David Hussey, the younger brother of new Australian test opener Mike Hussey, finished the day unbeaten on 91 from just 92 balls while Cameron White was 29 not out.
The second test between Australia and West Indies in Hobart starts on November 17. Australia lead the three-match series 1-0.
Do
you have a problem? Is something bothering
you? Write to