Aaron Hardie open to play any role for Australia in upcoming Champions Trophy

Aaron Hardie is willing to fill any role for Australia in the upcoming Champions Trophy as he emerges as a strong contender for Mitch Marsh’s vacancy.

Australia all-rounder Aaron Hardie is aiming to keep his game “as flexible as possible” as he closes in on Champions Trophy selection following the injury to Mitchell Marsh.

Hardie, 26, is in the 15-man squad set for Pakistan in late February after recovering from his quad setback sustained during the Big Bash League season.

Australia is yet to announce a replacement for the injured Marsh, who was ruled out of the tournament last week with a back complaint.

Coach Andrew McDonald said after the Galle Test that Australia would look to play an “eight-batter team” and named Hardie as one of the options to fill Marsh’s void alongside Marcus Stoinis and Beau Webster.

Hardie, from Western Australia, said his quad was “the best it has ever been” and has been working with coaches to ensure he can fill any role he is asked to play at national level.

Aaron Hardie is in the frame to replace Mitchell Marsh. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“I have been training and speaking to the coaches and putting things in place to be as flexible as possible,” Hardie said.

“Whether one game you bat (No.) 3 and one game you bat 7, there’s not many people who can go out there and do that.

“So rather pigeonholing into a certain position, (I am) just trying to stay as flexible as possible.

“It helps in team balance if someone goes down or someone’s not available for a certain tour to be able to jump into any position and be able to help win games.”

Hardie suspects his role, if selected, will be batting at fifth or sixth drop and assisting with overs alongside one of the Aussies’ spinning all-rounders.

“I think if I get a role in those games, it’s going to be being able to contribute with the ball in terms of being that fifth bowling option,” he said.

“Whether it’s a spinner and myself being able to fill a 10-over role to be able to make up that fifth bowler.

His versatility is a plus. Picture: Adrian Dennis / AFP

“I bat up the order at home but I think to have that ability to come in at seven and eight and contribute with the bat is really important.”

Hardie started playing state cricket for Western Australia in 2019 and rose to his international debut in 2023.

Hardie, who bats at No.5 and bowls first change in Sheffield Shield, said the Test arena was “certainly” still a focus.

“Yeah absolutely, it’s certainly a conversation I have with the coaches in WA around the red-ball side of it,” he said.

“I have loved playing red-ball cricket for WA, we’ve had so much success in that space, so there’s a number of players in that team who are very close to cracking through at that next level.

“As a kid you always want to play in the baggy green and I certainly still have that on the list.”

Australia has until Wednesday, February 12 to confirm Marsh’s replacement into the side.

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.

Originally published as Aaron Hardie open to play any role for Australia in upcoming Champions Trophy