Australia’s plans for the upcoming A tour of India have taken a hit with all-rounder Aaron Hardie sidelined by a shoulder injury. His withdrawal leaves the visitors making yet another change to their squad, adding to what has already been a difficult period with several frontline quicks unavailable. Pat Cummins won’t be fit before the Ashes. Meanwhile, Callum Vidler, Lance Morris and Brody Couch suffered a side injury.
Hardie’s injury means Sutherland in
Victoria’s Will Sutherland has been drafted in as Hardie’s replacement for the four-day leg of the tour. Already part of the one-day squad, Sutherland will now join the team for the second four-day match in Lucknow, starting September 23. A replacement for Hardie in the one-day squad is yet to be announced.
Hardie, who featured in Australia’s recent white-ball series against the West Indies and South Africa, had been included in the A squad after being left out of the T20I tour of New Zealand. He will now focus on recovery with hopes of being fit for Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield opener against New South Wales at the WACA on October 4. Recently, he had a difficult home series against South Africa, making just 15 runs across two ODIs and a T20 international.
Injuries grapple Australian cricket
Though Hardie is primarily an all-rounder, his injury only compounds Australia’s worries in the lead-up to a packed season. Captain Pat Cummins remains in recovery from a back issue ahead of the Ashes. Lance Morris, Hardie’s WA teammate, has been sidelined for up to 12 months after back surgery, while youngster Callum Vidler is out with a stress fracture. Brody Couch, initially drafted as Morris’ replacement, also suffered a side injury. It is indeed worrisome for Australia selectors, who would’ve wanted the likes of Vidler and Morris to tour India A and add versatility to their games.
Full schedule and updated squads
The Australia A tour kicks off with two four-day matches against India A on September 16 and 23. That will be followed by three one-dayers in Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and October 5.
Updated Australia A 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 (second game only), Henry Thornton
Updated Australia A one-day squad:
Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Henry Thornton
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