Former MCC cricketer, Brad Hodge, has been recognised for his contributions to Victorian cricket with a trophy named in his honour to be awarded during the Sheffield Shield season.
The Hodge-Matthews Trophy was named after two legends of the game - Hodge and NSW-great Greg Matthews – who are both the most-capped players for their respective states in Sheffield Shield.
Hodge, predominantly a top order batter, has made over 10,000 runs throughout his 16 years playing for Victoria whilst allrounder Matthews has 363 wickets and over 5,500 runs to his name playing for NSW.
Awarded to the winner of each match between Victoria and NSW, the perpetual trophy showcases the historical significance of the 150+ years of rivalry between the two sides on the cricket pitch.
Hodge told Cricket Victoria he was honoured to be included in the naming of the trophy.
“My time wearing navy blue are some of my best memories in cricket and our rivalry with NSW was always tough and competitive – no one wanted to give an inch,” Hodge said.
“I’ll always follow Sheffield Shield cricket closely, but these games will have even more meaning for me.
“To share the naming of this perpetual trophy with Greg is a privilege and I hope it spends more time at Junction Oval than Sydney!”
The trophy was to be first awarded at the recent match between the two states on November 20, however the match resulted in a draw, meaning the trophy will be held for presentation until the next winner of a match between the two sides, not scheduled until the 2022/23 season.