At 39, Brad Hodge says he still has the game for international cricket and he’s had it for a long time.

The outspoken Melbourne Stars batsman has been recalled to Australia’s T20 squad for Friday’s second match of the three-game series against England at the MCG.

And Hodge, who hasn’t played a T20 International since 2008, says the game has not passed him by.

The right-hander’s 168 runs at 33.60 for the Stars in the BBL this summer show he’s still in good form and the veteran is now aiming for a spot in Australia’s squad for the World T20 in Bangladesh in March.

“I never thought this day would come,” Hodge admitted on Thursday.

“It’s a pleasing day to wake up. The sun was shining this morning.

“I got the call from (national chairman of selectors) John Inverarity and it was a nice pleasant surprise.

“I’ve probably had the game for a long time.

“I don’t really need to call on anything else other than experience to know exactly what I can do.

“It’s nice to be able to get into this group again and feel what it’s like. It has been a long time.”

Hodge says winning a spot in the World T20 squad would be nice after a heartbreaking run of non-selection in recent years.

“I never really thought I would be a chance for it. A door has opened up,” he said.

“It’s a good chance and I’m pretty excited about it.”

Hodge has played six Tests, 25 one-day internationals and eight T20 Internationals, but hasn’t represented Australia since 2008.

He’s the leading runscorer in T20 history with 5844 runs at 36.98 in 209 matches including 61 in his last start for the Stars against Perth Scorchers on January 27.

Hodge has been recalled as a replacement for Moises Henriques who’s heading to South Africa for Australia’s

Test tour.

Australia lead their three-match T20 series against England one-nil after their 13-run win on Wednesday in Hobart.