Cricket Australia have pulled Aaron Hardie out of an overseas stint with Surrey for the northern hemisphere summer.
The decision could provide a clue into the selectors’ thinking for the T20 World Cup though the English-born player has so far met with limited success in the international area.
The 25-year-old allrounder had signed to feature in three first-class four-day County Championship fixtures and the entirety of the T20 Vitality Blast group phase but will no longer travel.
He would have gone to England in May and stayed until the end of July.
The T20 World Cup in USA and the Caribbean runs June 1-29.
Hardy played a key role in the Perth Scorchers’ Big Bash campaign, including captaining the side, before taking on the West Indies in white-ball fixtures earlier this year.
Later this week, he will represent Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield final.
Surrey said in a statement that “after a busy year, Cricket Australia have now decided to give him a longer period of rest and therefore he will not be available for Surrey.”
Surrey’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart, received a personal call from Hardie and accepted the decision.
“Whilst we are obviously very disappointed that Aaron will not be joining the team this summer, I respect the decision of Cricket Australia and wish Aaron the very best,” the former England captain said.
The Knightwatchmen who say Nii
Roar Rookie
Brilliant Cricket Australia ... stop someone gaining valuable experience in local conditions somewhere we haven't won a test series for nearly 23 years, and counting.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Green is ahead of him and Green is young.
chaukspp
Roar Rookie
Who takes such decisions in CA ? Is it one man or a committee of members ?
Paul
Roar Rookie
Wasn't Cameron Green cautioned against 'too much, too soon' and ended up aggravating a back injury? I'm vague on the details, but if Hardie is a player of national interest, then I think CA are fair enough in expecting him to manage his workload for sustainable future success.
Hpoeton@gmail.com
Roar Rookie
Feel bad for him. I know how much he was looking forward to being with Surrey again. But then again if it means he’s in the World Cup squad he’ll prob take it! (But he’d better be!)
Hpoeton@gmail.com
Roar Rookie
They’re only 5 months apart in age! Both 1999 babies.
The Bush
Roar Guru
I love your optimism, but based on recent selections, it seems Wade will definitely play (though Inglis might play purely as a batsman). Not sure about Stoinis, again, they still seem to like him in this format...
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Yes. He should go to England. The intention was for him to play in England, go to the World Cup, then go back to England. Hardie will get a game ahead of Wade and Stoinis. I’d expect neither of that two to be selected. Surely they know, by now that Inglis is better than Wade with bat and gloves. They won’t play both. Stoinis barely plays now. He can’t bowl or bat as well as Hardie. Hardie will do more than carry drinks. Playing cricket in England…or elsewhere…is way better preparation than ‘resting’.
The Bush
Roar Guru
This isn't really an answer to my question? Do you want him to go to England? If so, my understanding is that his stint there would overlay with the World Cup, so by going to the World Cup, to run the water, he'll be missing out on cricket.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Because he gets to open. Games only go for 20 overs. Openers always top the charts. Hardie is better.
ant
Roar Rookie
Look Don, I'm a big Hardie fan myself, but I'm very sure Matt Short would be a better option than Hardie. Matt Short topped the BBL charts again this season, by more than 200 runs if I remember right.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
If it's a World Cup, let him play. That's not like a test where there is no change for 5 days games and rests in between. His county stint was around the WC dates, not during. Let cricketers play cricket. If they get injured or tired, replace them. Don't deny them exercising their profession because, one day, just maybe, they'll get hurt...or, worse still...they'll get tired.
The Bush
Roar Guru
I can’t work you out sometimes? So this means you’ll be happy when he runs the water all tournament instead of playing cricket?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He'll need a rest after that activity.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Same age.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
But better at both than Matt Short.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
David, Wade, Stoinis, Warner are all fragile and easily need replacing early.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
In what way are they better than Hardie? In the old schoolyard games, I'd be picking Hardie first ahead of Turner and Short every time.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Playing cricket is what hones a player's skills. Resting helps no one. It's time for the Players' Association to intervene. Represent!!!
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
CA giving themselves a free option. Hardie for Stoinis doesn't sound ridiculous at all.