No longer biding his time within the manufacturing line of West Australian allrounders, Aaron Hardie has stamped his mark on one other Sheffield Shield ultimate.
Hardie helped lead a spirited WA fightback on a rain-disrupted day two on the WACA Ground on Friday earlier than unhealthy gentle ended play.
WA had been 5-175 at stumps in response to Victoria’s 195 after Hardie (45, eight fours) and Ashton Turner (49no) compiled a vital 86-run stand.
The gutsy counter-attack swung the momentum again in WA’s favour after they’d collapsed to 4-53 earlier within the day.
Hardie had additionally impressed with the ball, taking 2-29 from 14 overs.
The 24-year-old needed to compete with fellow WA fast-bowling allrounders Cameron Green and Mitch Marsh for alternatives earlier in his profession.
He was batting at No.7 when he scored an unbeaten 174 in final season’s drawn Shield ultimate to assist safe WA the title.
Hardie has since made probably the most of being promoted to No.5 within the order.
“There’s been a natural progression for him to get up the order as our order has changed a little bit,” coach Adam Voges stated.
“It’s always a balancing act with your allrounders as to where to bat them and how much workload they have with the ball in hand.
“We’ve managed Aaron a good bit within the again half of this season together with his bowling hundreds however we have unleashed him for this recreation and there is no actual restrictions on him.”
Touted for Test selection by all-time great Ricky Ponting, Hardie has been named in an Australia A squad to tour New Zealand next month for tour matches which will form part of preparations for the Ashes.
“We’re all fairly impressed with what Aaron’s completed thus far. I’ve bought little question that sooner or later, greater honours will come,” Voges stated.
“Anyone who can bat in your prime six, who can supply the standard of overs that Aaron can, clearly they will stability any workforce.”
With WA trailing Victoria by 20 runs in their first innings, Voges was confident an outright winner would emerge across the five-day contest, despite forecasts of further rain.
He was pleased with his side’s counter-punching to shift the pressure back onto the visitors after Will Sutherland (4-44) and Scott Boland (1-27) strangled the top order.
“I believe there’s risk-reward. I believe it’s a must to be proactive,” Voges stated.
“That was arduous to do with Boland specifically, and Sutherland bought some good rewards too. We needed to attempt to discover a means.
“Most of our boys and most batsmen play better when they’re looking to score.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
