Brad Hogg’s spell of 3-22 that bamboozled the Melbourne Stars in last night’s Big Bash derby is proof that he is the best spinner in the competition and needs to be recalled to the Australian T20 side, says Darren Berry.

With the likes of Stephen O’Keefe, Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland likely to be in India preparing for a Test series, the former Victorian wicketkeeper believes the evergreen leggie should be first choice to play against Sri Lanka.

“Who are you going to pick in the Australian T20 team to bowl spin?” Berry said on SEN radio.

“Brad Hogg, why not. Don’t tell me he’s too old, because if he’s too old why is he playing in the Big Bash?

“He’s still fit, still mentally in the contest and he is again the best spinner in the competition, 3-22 last night.

“In February we play three T20 matches against Sri Lanka, I’m saying if they’re picking the best team to win, Brad Hogg is in the Australian T20 team.”

Hogg joined the Melbourne Renegades from the Perth Scorchers, where he was coached by stand-in Australia T20 mentor Justin Langer, and while there was some fallout Berry says it wouldn’t affect potential selection.

“At the time Langer was filthy, but they are good mates Langer and Hogg and I’m sure time heals all wounds,” he said.

“I hope that wouldn’t affect it, and Langer is a competitor and he’ll want to win.

“For me if you’re picking the spinners for the Big Bash to play in the T20 Australian team, then he’s first picked.”

Berry does admit though Hogg’s chances of being selected may be limited, courtesy of his age, but hopes Langer and his assistants Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie will pick the T20 side, not the selectors.

“45 years of age, I don’t think the Australian selectors will like it (picking him),” he said.

“What I really hope is, I hope Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie, the three men that have been charged with looking after the Australian T20 side you know what I’m saying, let them pick the team.

“We don’t need Trevor Hohns, Mark Waugh and Greg Chappell (selecting the T20 team), (Darren) Lehmann is in India, let them the selectors pick the Test team for India, that’s their job.”