Hodge's century leads Australia to big total

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, Mar 18 (Reuters) Brad Hodge pressed his claims for a place in Australia's first choice team with his maiden one-day international century against the modest Netherlands bowling in their World Cup Group A match today.

Hodge, batting at five in place of the injured Andrew Symonds, scored 123 and added 204 with Michael Clarke (93 not out) in a World Cup record fourth-wicket partnership to help take Australia to 358 for five.

He reached his century from 82 balls, finally passing three figures after scoring 99 not out and 97 not out against New Zealand this year. When he was bowled by Peter Borren he had hit eight fours and seven sixes. Clarke, who hit a six on to the pavilion roof in the final over, struck six fours and three sixes from 85 balls.

After Ricky Ponting had won the toss and elected to bat, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden put on 73 for the first wicket before Hayden was caught at point by Borren for 29 off the fifth ball of Tim de Leede's first over.

Ponting, who scored 113 against Scotland on Wednesday, looked in prime form, driving consecutive balls from Ryan ten Doeschate through mid-wicket and mid-on for fours.

A sweep for four took Ponting to 23 when he was dropped at mid-wicket by Bas Zuiderent off ten Doeschate.

After a break for drinks, the Dutch were rewarded for their efforts when first Gilchrist then Ponting were dismissed with the score on 116.

Gilchrist drove de Leede to mid-on where captain Luuk van Troost gratefully accepted the catch and Ponting, who had not added to his score after the missed chance, was acrobatically caught and bowled by ten Doeschate.

That was to prove the highpoint for the Dutch as Hodge and Clarke took control on a hot, steamy morning.

REUTERS PDS RN2319