A medium pacer whose aggressive batting has been shuffled around the Queensland top order, Hopes had previously played for Australia's Under 19 side as a batsman but as his career has progressed he has become more of a bowling all-rounder. Hopes has opened the batting for Australia in Twenty20 matches and was close to gaining selection in the 2007 World Cup, after being placed on standby for the injured Shane Watson.
On 4 March 2008, Hopes scored his maiden ODI half century during his 28th match, scoring 63 off 80 balls against India in the 2nd final of the 2007–08 Commonwealth Bank Series. His effort, though, was in vain as India went on to win the game and the series.
Hopes was named Sheffield Shield Player of the Series for the 2010–2011 series. He was also rewarded by being named Captain of the Four-Day Team of the Year and Vice-Captain of the Twenty20 Team of the Year.
Notes
References
, BBC News, 5 April 2007 Accessed 10 April 2007
, Cricket Australia, 15 March 2011 Accessed 16 March 2011.