Aaron Hardie named Scorcher’ skipper after Turner’s season-ending injury

After Ashton Turner's season-ending knee injury, the Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Perth Scorchers have named the 24-year-old Aaron Hardie as the captain for the ongoing BBL season. The all-rounder has been named as the skipper despite Josh Inglis’ presence as the side's vice-captain, with coach Adam Voges citing the ‘ease of communication’ with the bowlers. 

"Josh is excellent from a strategy point of view. But I guess there are limitations in what your keeper can do, particularly when the heat comes on,” Voges said.

“And if you're a bit time-poor within your innings, which generally we are, then it's really difficult to have those conversations and that connection with the bowling group and I think we saw that the other night a little bit when Ash did go off the field and so that was part of the decision-making process. But, if it had gone the other way we'd gone with Josh we would have been confident in him as well,” he added.

Hardie, who only made his international debut earlier in the year against South Africa, has represented Australia in seven white-ball games and also captained Australia A in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A. 

"First and foremost, we're all wishing AT a speedy recovery," Hardie said. "He's been a fantastic captain and player for a long time, and is certainly somebody the squad looks up to.

"Personally, it's a privilege to lead this team in his absence, and a challenge I'm keen to embrace.

"We have plenty of experience and leadership within the side. One of our great strengths is we're comfortable using that experience and knowledge to make the team better as a collective.”