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          Brad Hodge is almost certain to make his Test debut for Australia against West Indies at Hobart Thursday after captain Ricky Ponting tipped him, reports BBC.
The 30-year-old batsmen is set to be a straight swap for Simon Katich after he was dropped following Australia's win in the first Test at Birsbane.
Ponting said: "I'd be surprised if he didn't play Thursday.
"We haven't picked the team yet but I'd imagine he'd be a straight replacement for Simon Katich."
Hodge has served as Australia's 12th man on six occasions and is set to be given his chance after Katich was dropped from the squad following poor form.
Hodge has been one of Australia's top first-class batsmen for more than 10 years and celebrated his call-up last week by making 177 for Victoria in a warm-up match against West Indies.
Meanwhile former captain Steve Waugh has warned Michael Clarke to tighten up his technique.
The middle-order batsmen is under pressure to score runs and fears he could be dropped like Katich.
Waugh said Clarke's match-winning game plan did not need to be overhauled.