Hodge has played six tests, 25 one-day internationals and eight T20 internationals.
The grey-haired right-hander is the leading scorer in T20 history with 5844 runs at 36.98 in 209 matches, including 61 in his last start for the Melbourne Stars against Perth Scorchers on January 27.
Did that give the selectors a nudge?
"I've been sending out reminders for a fair bit of time now," Hodge said with a smile. "I never thought this day would come.
"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 said he was overwhelmed to be recalled as it was such a surprise. He congratulated the selection panel led by John Inverarity for recognising the form of himself and fellow veteran Chris Rogers, who has been a success story after being recalled to the test side last year aged 35.
Hodge has changed his tune after claiming in 2009 he might have a better chance of playing for Australia if he took up lawn bowls.
Now he admits selection in the World T20 in Bangladesh is a realistic possibility.
"I never really thought I would be a chance for it. A door has opened up," he said.
"This is a nice little reward for the hard work that has gone in for well over two decades."
Hodge's international career has taken an unexpected turn for the better, but the veteran batsman isn't having any trouble keeping his feet on the ground.
"I was expecting to go and do some work on a building site this morning," he said.
So he did that, but only after getting a call from Inverarity to say he's back in the national squad.
"I'm reconstructing my house and there's odd jobs that need to be done," Hodge said. "It's good for keeping your strength work up in cricket season, moving a few bricks."
Hodge has been recalled as a replacement for Moises Henriques who's heading to South Africa for Australia's test tour.
- AAP
