Ponting returns home

[flanflinger]

Is that his replacement in the squad or in the team as well? I still think that Clarke will get the nod...

[R W S]

Originally Posted by flanflinger

Is that his replacement in the squad or in the team as well? I still think that Clarke will get the nod...

From Sydney(AFP)

Selectors chairman Trevor Hohns said Hodges' selection was just reward for his outstanding batting form both in Victoria and for Leicestershire in England.

Hodge has just come off a dream season in England where he made 1,548 runs for Leicestershire at an average of 61.92. That followed an Australian summer where he made 984 runs at 61.50.
Hodge also earned the call-up because he is a specialist No.3 batsman. He will now go head-to-head with another rookie tourist, Michael Clarke, for Ponting's spot in the first Test at Bangalore.

Hohns said the Australians could either slot Hodge in at No. 3 or move an existing batsmen up the order to make room for Clarke at No.6.

That would mean either Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann or Simon Katich taking over at No.3.