Follow UsMarcus Stoinis has been ruled out of the three-match New Zealand T20I series after tweaking his back during the series against West Indies. Cricket Australia, on February 17 (Saturday), announced that fellow all-rounder Aaron Hardie will be his replacement for the tour to New Zealand.
Experienced wicketkeeper Matthew Wade too, isn’t available for the first T20I, with the 36-year-old expecting the birth of their third child. However, the southpaw is set to be available for the final two T20Is in Auckland on Friday and Sunday.
Stoinis wasn’t available for the third T20I of the Windies series either, and with the all-rounder failing to recover, Australia were swift in the decision. ESPNCricinfo reported that Cameron Green wasn’t considered with the selectors, instead wanting the all-rounder to be fresh for the New Zealand Tests.
With Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell’s concerns with injuries, Hardie is expected to play a bigger role in the series. The all-rounder was part of the XI for the final T20I, with 16 and figures of 1/36 in the Perth encounter.