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Aaron Hardie’s Flexible Approach : Aaron Hardie Aiming for Flexibility Ahead of Champions Trophy

Aaron Hardie Aiming for Flexibility Ahead of Champions Trophy
With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, Aaron Hardie is preparing to fill the gap left by Mitchell Marsh's injury. He emphasizes flexibility in his game to adapt to any role the Australian team may need.

Synopsis

With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, Aaron Hardie is preparing to fill the gap left by Mitchell Marsh's injury. He emphasizes flexibility in his game to adapt to any role the Australian team may need.

Key Takeaways

  • Aaron Hardie is focusing on flexibility in his gameplay.
  • Mitchell Marsh's injury opens a spot in the squad.
  • Hardie aims to contribute in various batting and bowling roles.
  • Australia's final squad submission is due by February 12.
  • Champions Trophy begins on February 22 against England.

New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approaching rapidly, Australia's all-rounder Aaron Hardie is positioning himself as a significant contender to fill the gap left by the injured Mitchell Marsh. As Australia considers a replacement, Hardie has been concentrating on maintaining his game “as flexible as possible” to adapt to any role the team requires.

The 26-year-old received his first national call-up for an ICC event when Australia revealed the squad for the Champions Trophy.

Now, with a possible Champions Trophy opportunity looming, Australia faced a significant setback when Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.

After the Galle Test, head coach Andrew McDonald stated that Australia intends to uphold an eight-batter team and identified Hardie, along with Marcus Stoinis and Beau Webster, as potential replacements for Marsh’s position.

While the final decision regarding Marsh's replacement is still pending, Hardie remains hopeful about his prospects, especially considering his ability to fit into various roles.

“I have been training and discussing with the coaches to implement strategies that allow me to be as flexible as possible. Whether one game I bat (No.) 3 and another game I bat 7, there are not many individuals who can do that. So instead of being pigeonholed into a specific position, I am just trying to remain as adaptable as possible,” Hardie was quoted by news.com.au.

“It aids in team balance if someone is injured or unavailable for a specific tour to be ready to step into any position and help secure victories,” he added.

If selected for the final Champions Trophy squad, Hardie anticipates his primary role to be batting in the lower middle order (No. 5-7) while providing essential overs as a fifth-bowling option.

“I believe if I get a role in those matches, it will involve contributing with the ball as that fifth bowling option. Whether it’s a spinner, I can step in to fill a 10-over role to compensate for that fifth bowler. I usually bat higher up the order at home, but having the capacity to come in at seven and eight and make an impact with the bat is crucial,” he stated.

Teams have until February 12 to finalize and submit their 15-member squads for the tournament to the ICC.

Australia will kick off their Champions Trophy journey against England on February 22 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Australia’s Champion Trophy squad: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

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