(Cricket News) With Australia’s white-ball selection process continuing, Aaron Hardie lost out on a chance to strengthen his case for the T20 World Cup after being forced to withdraw from the New Zealand series due to a minor calf ailment. Spencer Johnson was called into action at the last minute.
After Marcus Stoinis was ruled out due to a back injury on Friday, Hardie was added to the team for the three-match series that begins in Wellington on Wednesday. He did not travel with the team on Saturday because he was competing in the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and Western Australia in Hobart.
He was scheduled to depart for Wellington on Monday morning, which meant he would miss the fourth day of the Shield match. However, on the second day, he felt tightness in his calf while bowling and was referred for a scan.
Although it is acknowledged that the first scan did not show any damage, he was removed from the New Zealand series and kept off the field on day three as a precaution. Adam Voges, the coach of WA, stated that he is willing to bat on the last day if needed. Voges commented, “He is got a tight calf.” It is more defensive. If needed, he will bat tomorrow. I hope it is nothing too serious.”
On Sunday evening, Cricket Australia declared that Johnson will be included in the team. Due to his first child’s birth, vice captain and wicketkeeper Matthew Wade has been in Hobart for a few extra days, therefore Australia will be without him for the first game of the series. He should be available for Friday and Saturday’s second and third Twenty20 Internationals in Auckland.
Nathan Ellis is recuperating from a rib ailment, and Matthew Short is also making a comeback after a little hamstring strain. In Australia’s T20 fast bowling rankings, he trails Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins.
All three are expected to participate in the New Zealand series after taking a full or partial break during the West Indies series. Ellis is optimistic that he can secure a spot in Australia’s 15-man World Cup roster. Ellis remarked, “I was spewing to miss that West Indies series,” on Sunday in Wellington. “It is time for me to get started and submit my application for the World Cup.
“After this series, there will not be much cricket played outside of the IPL [before] the World Cup. There is no security [of a spot]. It is not there, in my opinion. Playing for Australia still seems like a dream, so I simply want to seize every chance I have. I will be trying my hardest to keep throwing in the hat in the hopes of representing Australia in the World Cup.”
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