Image Credit- Getty
Due to a knee injury that will prevent two-time
title-winning captain Ashton Turner from playing for the duration of the Big
Bash League, all-arounder Aaron Hardie has been chosen the Perth Scorchers’
temporary captain for the balance of the season.
Despite not being the formal vice captain, Hardie, 25,
was appointed by the Scorchers hierarchy since Josh Inglis, the vice captain,
was not chosen.
Coach Adam Voges of the Scorchers revealed that Hardie
was chosen over the wicketkeeper because it is easier and more effective for
the captain to be in close proximity to the bowler on the pitch.
“Josh is excellent from a strategy point of
view,” Voges said. “But I guess there are limitations in what your
keeper can do, particularly when the heat comes on. And if you’re a bit
time-poor within your innings, which generally we are, then it’s really
difficult to have those conversations and that connection with the bowling
group and I think we saw that the other night a little bit when Ash did go off
the field and so that was part of the decision-making process. But, if it had
gone the other way we’d gone with Josh we would have been confident in him as
well.”
After making his T20I and ODI debuts in South Africa
and touring India with Australia’s white-ball sides before the ODI World Cup,
it completes a fantastic 2023 for Hardie. Earlier this year, in Lincoln, he led
Australia A in their second unofficial Test match against New Zealand A.
“First and foremost, we’re all wishing AT a
speedy recovery,” Hardie said. “He’s been a fantastic captain and
player for a long time, and is certainly somebody the squad looks up to.
“Personally, it’s a privilege to lead this team
in his absence, and a challenge I’m keen to embrace.
“We have plenty of experience and leadership
within the side. One of our great strengths is we’re comfortable using that
experience and knowledge to make the team better as a collective.
“I’m sure the whole squad will remain focused and
united to give us the best chance of winning another title.”