Veteran batsman Brad Hodge’s hopes of going to the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh have increased with his call up to the Australian squad for the final two internationals against England.

Hodge replaces allrounder Moises Henriques who is departing to South Africa to join the Test squad on Friday.

The 39-year-old has led the way for the unbeaten Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, averaging 33.6 at a strike rate of 129.23.

Hodge is the world’s highest-scoring T20 batsman and hasn’t given up hope of being given a start in Bangladesh in March-April, given Brad Hogg went to the last world T20 aged 40.

He joined the Australian squad in Melbourne on Thursday following the side’s big win over England in Hobart on Wednesday which gave them a 1-0 lead in the series.

Only Australian opener Aaron Finch has scored more runs in three years of Big Bash cricket, with Hodge compiling 700 at 44.

Hodge, who played six Tests and 25 ODIs for Australia between 2005 and 2008, has been overlooked for international selection since despite an outstanding domestic record.