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Hodge earmarks cricketing future

Hodge is currently part of the coaching panel for the inaugural PRO camp in Brisbane

Adelaide Strikers captain Brad Hodge has begun the first stages of life after cricket, taking up a coaching role with the National Talent Squad in Brisbane.

Hodge, who has played 140 First Class matches, has been appointed as a batting consultant with the 19-man PRO camp squad under the tutelage of Graeme Hick and Troy Cooley.

“This is an introduction for me to come and observe Troy and Graeme and how they go about things with these youngsters,” Hodge told cricket.com.au.

“For me I’m going over to coach in the IPL with the Gujarat Lions, this is more an Australian setup, understanding exactly what the pathways are and the expectations, it’s about learning about what’s happening on and off the field.”

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Hodge will be returning with the Strikers in BBL|06 and says he will impart his coaching knowledge in his current role as playing assistant under Jason Gillespie.

“I’ll be back at the Strikers, it’s the wonderful place to play and I really enjoy it and as long as I can keep contributing by all means I’ll keep going.

 “For the last three seasons, I’ve been the assistant coach at the Strikers, you have to worry about other people as the forefront as captain and assistant, you have to put yourself on the back burner, but coaching you don’t have the control on the field, especially in T20 cricket.”

WATCH: Hodge talks to his squad after a Heat v Strikers match in BBL|05

The 41-year-old is striving to complete his Level Three coaching qualifications, citing the complete contrast from when he began his cricket pathway to now.

“The major differences are the things that are happening here at the PRO camp never happened (in 1993), it was more get in the nets and survival of the fittest, if you got through you got through but now all of these guys have planning and goals.”

Hodge is entering the elite coaching sphere the same way recently retired quick Ryan Harris did, with the Queenslander taking charge of the inaugural Cricket Australia XI in the Under 19 National Champioships.

The PRO camp will finish in Brisbane today with 19 players vying for state rookie contracts after a three-day intensive program testing all-round skills and fitness.