Australia batsman Brad Hodge has indicated he is about to retire from first-class cricket after giving up hope of a Test recall.

The 34-year-old, who had spells with Durham, Leicestershire and Lancashire in English county cricket, will play just two more Sheffield Shield games before ending his career in the four-day game.

The move was motivated by the diminishing likelihood of a return to the Test side and a desire to spend more time with his wife and children.

He told the Herald Sun: "After a number of years weighing up cricket versus family, I reckon family might have won this battle.

"I guess it came down to lack of opportunities to play Test cricket again. I was just a fill-in for Ricky Ponting if something went wrong. I guess that wasn't enough of an excuse for me.

"I've always wanted to play Test cricket for as long as I can, but what's the difference if I get one more Test now? I want to play 30 or more, but that's not going to happen."

Hodge will continue to play limited-overs cricket for Victoria and IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, and hopes to regain his place in the national team in the shorter forms of the game.

"In a way it's a way to lengthen my career rather than shorten it," he added. "It's my last-ditch effort to make the Australian World Twenty20 side."

Super Selector is all geared up for the India vs Sri Lanka series. Have you selected your test team in the new Super Selector? Hurry! Register now and win exciting prizes.