NewKerala.com

Key Points

Aaron Hardie acknowledges the challenge of breaking into Australia's star-studded lineup but remains determined to make his mark. The 26-year-old has been a regular squad member but has seen limited playing time across formats. Despite warming benches in the IPL, he has impressed with his new-ball bowling in T20Is. Hardie emphasizes his versatility, ready to contribute with bat or ball wherever the team needs him.

Key Points: Aaron Hardie Vows to Seize Chance in Competitive Australia Team

  • Hardie named in all 2025 limited-overs squads but played just four matches
  • Spent IPL 2025 on Punjab Kings bench without a game
  • Excelled with new ball in rare T20I appearances
  • Ready to bat anywhere and bowl any over as per team needs
2 min read

Hard to crack into Australian team, will take my opportunity when it comes, says Hardie

Australia all-rounder Aaron Hardie admits breaking into the national side is tough but promises to capitalize on every opportunity.

"It’s such a hard team to crack into. I’ll be trying to take my opportunity when it comes. – Aaron Hardie"

Cairns, Aug 15

Australia’s fast-bowling all-rounder Aaron Hardie said he is determined to make the most of any opportunity coming his way to break into a playing eleven while admitting that it is ‘hard to crack into’.

Hardie, 26, has been named in every Australian limited-overs squad in 2025, including bilateral series in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean, the Champions Trophy and as a late call-up for the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. But Hardie has featured in just four of Australia’s 12 matches in the white-ball format this year. His lack of on-field action extended to IPL 2025 as well, where he spent two months on the bench for Punjab Kings without playing a game.

“A lot of people when they've come into the Aussie team have had that experience. I know Josh Inglis was very similar in his first few years of touring. It's such a hard team to crack into. I'll be trying to take my opportunity when it comes,” said Hardie to reporters on Friday.

When given the chance, Hardie has impressed with the ball, often taking the new ball in T20Is – a role not typically associated with his domestic reputation as a batting all-rounder. “I love bowling off the top. As the allrounder, it’s good to get those overs out of the way early and support the guys with a few more skills throughout the middle overs. When the ball is swinging, it’s good with two fielders out – but when it stops swinging, it’s not as fun,” he added.

While his batting remains largely untested at the international level, Hardie believes he is ready to do whatever the team requires from him. “I pride myself on being able to fill any hole possible, whether that’s up the order or in the middle, and bowl any overs from one to 20 in the T20 format,” he concluded.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
His attitude is commendable but honestly, he's lucky to even be in the squad. Many talented Indian all-rounders like Venkatesh Iyer don't get half these chances despite better stats. Shows how tough international cricket is!
A
Aman W
Bowling with new ball in T20s is no joke! Reminds me of how Hardik Pandya evolved. If Hardie can develop his batting, he could be dangerous. But needs more match practice - sitting in dugout won't help.
P
Priyanka N
Punjab Kings wasted him in IPL! They paid so much money just to bench him. Meanwhile Indian youngsters like Rinku Singh grab every small opportunity. That's the difference in mindset maybe? 🤔
V
Varun X
Respect his patience but honestly Australia should give chances to younger players. At 26, he's not exactly a spring chicken in cricket terms. Our BCCI handles transitions much better with A tours and NCA programs.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50