LONDON, Sept 15: Australian batsman Brad Hodge on Wednesday turned down an offer of a new two-year deal to return and play county cricket for Leicestershire, the club announced.

"Over the last 18 months Brad has developed arguably into one of the leading batsmen in the world," said James Whitaker, the club's director of cricket. "After offering Brad a two-year contract on terms which reflect his standing in the game, naturally we are disappointed that he is not returning in 2005."

Hodge, whose form for Leicestershire has put him in contention for a place in Australia's Test squad, had already been ruled out of final Championship game of the season against Somerset this week because of a groin injury. He has scored 1,548 runs at an average of 62 this season. -AFP