Australia have been dealt an enormous blow forward of the three-match T20I sequence towards New Zealand. All-rounder Aaron Hardie has been ruled out of the sequence and Spencer Johnson has been roped in as his replacement. Interestingly, Hardie was not a component of the squad that was picked earlier and had solely made it to the line-up as Marcus Stoinis‘ replacement who sustained a again damage.
A minor calf problem within the ongoing Sheffield Shield season in Australia has ruled Hardie out of the New Zealand T20Is which additionally places his place in query for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Hardie was scheduled to fly to Wellington on Monday (February 19) morning however his callf damage cropped up over the weekend ruling him out of the participation for Australia.
“He’s got a tight calf. It’s more precautionary. He’ll bat if required tomorrow. Hopefully, it’s nothing too significant,” Western Australia coach Adam Voges stated in line with ESPNCricinfo as Hardie was on account of depart within the center of a first-class encounter towards Tasmania.
Meanwhile, Spencer Johnson has fared decently in restricted matches for Australia to this point and he shall be eager on staking a declare within the World Cup squad. He can be scheduled to play within the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Gujarat Titans. Meanwhile, Australia will even miss their wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade within the first T20I in Wellington as he’s but to journey to the Kiwi nation and is awaiting the start of his first little one.
As for Australia, their tempo trio that received the ODI World Cup – Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins – have returned for this sequence whereas Nathan Ellis is subsequent within the pecking order who can be getting back from a rib damage.ÂÂ
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