New Delhi, September 11 (HS): Australia all-rounder Aaron Hardie has been ruled out of the ongoing India tour due to a shoulder injury. In his absence, Victoria all-rounder Will Sutherland has been added to the squad. Sutherland, already part of the one-day team, will now join the side for the second four-day match in Lucknow. A replacement in the ODI squad for Hardie will be named later.
Hardie is expected to regain fitness in time for the opening rounds of the Sheffield Shield. Western Australia begin their campaign on October 4 at the WACA against New South Wales. The all-rounder was recently part of Australia’s T20 and ODI series against West Indies and South Africa. However, after underwhelming returns in South Africa, he was omitted from the brief New Zealand T20 tour and instead slotted into the Australia A setup. His availability for the upcoming white-ball series against India will depend on his recovery.
Growing injury crisis in Australian camp
Hardie’s absence adds to Australia’s growing injury woes. Captain Pat Cummins is already nursing a back issue that has cast doubts over his Ashes availability. Fellow Western Australia quick Lance Morris is sidelined for 12 months after back surgery, while young fast bowler Callum Vidler has been ruled out with a stress fracture. Morris would have featured in the four-day matches, while Vidler was part of the ODI squad. To make matters worse, Morris’ replacement Brody Couch also picked up an injury, leading to South Australia pacer Henry Thornton being drafted in.
Tour schedule
Australia A are currently in India for two four-day matches and three one-day games against India A. The first four-day contest begins on September 16, followed by the second from September 23. The three ODIs will be played in Kanpur on September 30, October 3 and 5.
Updated Australia A Squads
Four-Day Squad:
Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam Scott, Will Sutherland (from 2nd match), Henry Thornton.
One-Day Squad:
Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Henry Thornton (one more player to be added).
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
