BRAD Hodge has spoken of his frustration at a stop-start summer with Lancashire as he joins up with Australia.

The 32-year-old Victorian admits he has been unable to find any real rhythm at Old Trafford this season due to the poor English weather over June and July, which has led to numerous lost days and abandoned matches.

And his disappointment was summed up today when Lancashire's Natwest Pro40 fixture against Sussex Sharks at Old Trafford was washed out.

It was due to be Hodge's final game of 2007 for Lancashire, as he now joins up with Cricket Australia for a training camp ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup.

"It's been a bit frustrating really," said Hodge.

"For me personally, I feel like I have been away from home for such a long time, and with the season being so disjointed it has cut into the rhythm a bit.

"Also the new experience of trying to be a father for the first time, and not being able to see my son for a while, has been an interesting thing.

"But I love playing over here. It is a special club to play for, and I really do feel that playing in a title race for Lancashire is something that I want to achieve."

Hodge will return to Old Trafford next season as Lancashire's overseas player, although he is disappointed not to wrap up a full 2007 campaign with the Red Rose as they go chasing the County Championship title.

Hodge, who is to be replaced at Lancashire by Indian Test ace VVS Laxman, added: "It's been good fun again, but it's a shame not to be able to finish off the season and see which way things pan out.

"Unfortunately, there are things to be done, and that is just the way it is.

"I would like some time to think about it all and re-assess, then hopefully get a full season.

"If I couldn't do that, then it would probably mean that I would be playing Test cricket for Australia.

"Hopefully, I will come back as (county) champions, helping to defend the title."

Big-hitting Hodge will be hoping to play a major role for Australia when the Twenty20 World Cup gets under way in South Africa next month.

He said: "The Twenty20 World Cup is going to be an interesting time, and who knows what will happen in that?

"It is an unknown stage, but hopefully the green and gold comes away with another trophy."