Unexpectedly, Aaron Hardie’s slight calf problem has forced him to miss Australia’s T20 World Cup preparations, which has thrown a wrench in the nation’s constantly shifting white-ball lineup. The addition of Spencer Johnson to the roster after a hasty draft raises the level of uncertainty even further.
After Marcus Stoinis’s back injury claimed his life on Friday, Hardie—who had not been on the team before—was called up. But when the Western Australian all-rounder bowled on the second day of their Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania, he experienced calf tightness. He was forced to withdraw from the New Zealand series even though the initial scan revealed no serious injuries.
As a precaution, WA coach Adam Voges brought up Hardie’s condition and mentioned his tight calf. Voters expressed optimism that it would not be a major problem.
His calf is quite tight. It is more cautious. If he has to bat tomorrow, he will. “Hopefully it’s nothing too big,” Voges stated, according to an ESPN Cricinfo quote.
Concurrently, Spencer Johnson’s selection for the team was confirmed by Cricket Australia, illustrating yet another example of the rotation of players.
Due to the birth of his first child, vice captain Matthew Wade will also be absent from the team for the first game, staying in Hobart for an additional few days. Wade is anticipated to make the squad for T20Is 2 and 3.
The objective is to represent Australia in the World Cup. Nathan Ellis
In addition, Matthew Short, who is hoping to make Australia’s 15-man World Cup roster, is making a comeback from a hamstring ailment, and Nathan Ellis is back from a rib problem. Ellis stated that he would really like to play for Australia at the World Cup and that he will do everything in his power to keep himself in the running.
I was dreading missing that series in the West Indies. Now is the moment for me to step up and submit my application for the World Cup. Outside of the IPL, there isn’t much cricket played before the World Cup following this series. There’s no security [at a location]. It’s never there, I believe. I simply want to savour every chance I have because playing for Australia still feels like a dream. “My objective is to represent Australia in the World Cup, so I will be striving to remain active,” Ellis continued.
Australia’s white-ball choices are still a rollercoaster, reflecting the uncertainty and difficulties that players have while preparing for the World Cup as the T20 series in New Zealand plays out.