Aaron Hardie ruled out of T20I series against New Zealand, replacement announced

Aaron Hardie who was selected for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand as a replacement for Marcus Stoinis has now himself been ruled out of the series due to a minor calf issue. He has been replaced by pacer Spencer Johnson in the squad. The T20I series between Australia and New Zealand is scheduled to commence on February 21, Wednesday and the first T20I of the three-match series will be played at the Sky Stadium in Wellington.

Aaron Hardie was not initially included in the squad and was announced as a replacement for all-rounder Marcus Stoinis who was ruled out of the series due to a back injury. Hardie was playing in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania in Hobart and he experienced some stiffness in his calf while bowling on Day 2 of the four-day game after which he was sent for some scans. He was scheduled to fly to Wellington on Monday but now he has been ruled out of the series.

Spencer Johnson ready to replace Aaron Hardie in the T20I squad for Australia

Cricket Australia confirmed that Spencer Johnson has been called into the squad immediately to replace Aaron Hardie in the squad. Spencer Johnson was also a member of the three-match T20I series against West Indies and he took three wickets in two games but was a bit expensive in both the games. He is a tall and strong left-arm pacer and has a terrific record in BBL and the Hundred where he represents Brisbane Heat and Oval Invincibles respectively.

Aaron Hardie on the other hand will continue his game against Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield and will bat on Day 4 if required. He led Perth Scorchers in the absence of Ashton Turner for most of the BBL this season and took them to the Eliminator but got beaten by Adelaide Strikers in the Eliminator. Aaron Hardie is a reliable all-rounder and was a like-for-like replacement for Marcus Stoinis

Australia will also miss the service of their vice-captain and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade who has stayed in Hobart for the birth of his first child. However, he will be available for the second and third T20I of the series. Australia will be led by Mitchell Marsh whereas Kane Williamson is expected to lead the side.