Batsman out for up to two weeks

Back problem continues to hurt Hodge

Cricinfo staff

December 13, 2007

Brad Hodge hopes to be fit for the tour game against India © Getty Images

The back injury that prevented Brad Hodge from playing in the Twenty20 international has kept him out of Victoria's FR Cup match against Tasmania on Saturday. Hodge hurt himself in the dressing room, an event which led to Luke Pomersbach's hasty inclusion, and Trefor James, the Australia doctor, said he had a minor disc problem.

James hoped it was a one to two-week injury and said Hodge's fitness would be monitored in the lead-up to the tour game against India starting on December 20. "It has caused him considerable discomfort since Tuesday," James said, "and there is a risk of him further aggravating the injury by playing."

Hodge said the situation was "frustrating". "Missing a couple of big matches this week has been tough," he said. "Hopefully this is just a minor setback and I can be back on the park for either the India match or the Twenty20s early in the new year."

Aaron Finch will replace Hodge for the game in Hobart and David Hussey regains the captaincy. A groin injury has ruled out Shane Harwood while Peter Siddle, who took five wickets in the Pura Cup win over Tasmania, and Matthew Wade have been added to the squad. Tasmania have made two changes with Dane Anderson and Mark Divin replacing Ricky Ponting and Nathan Wegman.

Victoria squad Robert Quiney, Michael Klinger, Aiden Blizzard, David Hussey (capt), Andrew McDonald, Aaron Finch, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam Crosthwaite (wk), John Hastings, Bryce McGain, Dirk Nannes, Peter Siddle.

Tasmania squad Travis Birt, Michael Dighton, George Bailey, Daniel Marsh (capt), Dane Anderson, Luke Butterworth, Mark Divin, Tim Paine (wk), Xavier Doherty, Brendan Drew, Brett Geeves, Ben Hilfenhaus.

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