PICK Brad Hodge to play in the 2011 World Cup - it's a no-brainer according to former Australian opening batsman Michael Slater.
Slater, a veteran of 74 Tests and 42 one-day internationals for Australia, said he was "baffled" why Hodge has been ignored by Australian selectors across all forms of the game.
He declared the Victorian veteran's form this summer simply demanded selection.
Hodge has smashed three one-day centuries in five games this season at an average of 138.
He has scored nine more domestic one-day centuries than any other Australian player, 40 when English County cricket is factored in, and among his peers he is regarded as one of the greatest short-form batsmen in the world.
"He's just a class player. I simply don't know what's happened there. I really don't," Slater said of the selection snub.
"He's been really hardly done by - and he still is.
"He's still doing a brilliant job, he's still getting out and smashing them.
Slater said age wasn't an issue considering the number of older stars still shining in international cricket, and certainly it wasn't a personality issue with Hodge.
"You look at Sri Lanka, you can bet (Sanath) Jayasuriya (41) will be there playing for them," Slater said.
"There's certainly some talented players still going in their late thirties and what's Hodge, 35? He's certainly got a World Cup left in him.
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