Touted for Test choice by Ricky Ponting, West Australian allrounder Aaron Hardie looms as a multi-format star within the making after persevering with an excellent Big Bash season.
Hardie’s imperious kind since being promoted to No.3 has been a key consider Perth Scorchers making one more run on the title.
The 24-year-old once more starred in Wednesday evening’s seven-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes at Optus Stadium, plundering an unbeaten 90 off 62 balls because the Scorchers simply chased their goal of 147.
Four-time champions Perth sit atop the BBL ladder with two video games remaining and have misplaced simply as soon as at their dwelling fortress.
Hardie has scored 4 half-centuries since being elevated to first-drop to switch the injured Mitch Marsh, who famous in the course of the Fox Cricket broadcast he may need to contemplate handing over the No.3 slot for good.
The younger gun has proven a capability to adapt his recreation throughout codecs, having scored a outstanding 174 not out in final season’s drawn Sheffield Shield remaining to safe WA the title.
All-time nice Ponting floated Hardie as a bolter for the Sydney Test towards South Africa, and the towering right-hander who averages 45 with the bat in first-class cricket appears destined for increased honours.
That might embrace the IPL, with fellow West Australian fast-bowling allrounder Cameron Green lately offered at public sale for $3.15 million – a document value for an Australian participant.
Hardie didn’t nominate this season and is believed to be contemplating a return to county cricket which might place him within the sights of nationwide selectors forward of the Ashes sequence.
“I’ve put my name in the draft before but didn’t put my name in this year for various reasons,” Hardie instructed reporters after Wednesday evening’s recreation.
“Obviously if you put a number like that on the end of it, it’s silly to say no.
“I do not actually need to pigeonhole myself into any form of format. Just having the ability to contribute in all of the video games potential.
“That allrounder role takes its toll on the body in four-day cricket but I also love that challenge … I’m enjoying playing all three while I can.”
Hardie has not bowled within the BBL since straining his groin earlier this season however stated he was prepared if wanted, though which may be unlikely given the Scorchers’ enviable depth.
Speedster Lance Morris snared 2-21 towards the Hurricanes after being named in Australia’s squad to tour India subsequent month.
Fellow fast Jhye Richardson is predicted to return from a hamstring harm in time for the finals.
