Australia’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup face a minor setback as all-rounder Aaron Hardie has been withdrawn from the New Zealand series due to a calf issue. Spencer Johnson has been swiftly drafted into the squad as a replacement, marking yet another alteration in Australia’s white-ball selections.
Initially left out of the squad for the three-match series against New Zealand, Hardie was summoned as a late addition following Marcus Stoinis’ injury. However, a minor calf problem emerged while he was playing for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania, prompting his withdrawal from the series.
Although the initial scan did not reveal significant damage, Hardie was kept off the field on the third day of the Shield game as a precautionary measure. Consequently, Cricket Australia opted to withdraw him from the New Zealand series to ensure his fitness ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Johnson has been called up as a replacement to bolster Australia’s squad for the series. With vice-captain Matthew Wade also unavailable for the opening match due to the birth of his child, Australia faces a few selection challenges as they strive to assemble a competitive lineup.
Despite the disruptions, players like Nathan Ellis view this series as an opportunity to stake their claim for a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad. Ellis, returning from a rib injury, is determined to make the most of his chances and solidify his position in the team.
As Australia navigates through the final stages of their preparations, the focus remains on fine-tuning the squad and identifying the best combination ahead of the T20 World Cup.