Stoinis Ruled Out of New Zealand T20Is, Hardie Called Up As Injury Concerns Mount for Australia

Australia’s preparations for the T20 World Cup in June hit a snag with all-rounder Marcus Stoinis ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series in New Zealand due to a lingering back issue.

Fellow West Australian Aaron Hardie has been called in as his replacement, offering him a chance to impress selectors before the major tournament.

Vice-captain Matthew Wade will also miss the series opener on Wednesday in Wellington due to the impending birth of his third child but is expected to rejoin the squad for the remaining matches in Auckland.

Stoinis sustained the back injury during the warm-up for the second T20I against West Indies last week but played through it, contributing with both bat and ball.

However, the long flight to Perth aggravated the issue, forcing him to miss the third game and subsequently the entire New Zealand series. He is expected to be fit for the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting in late March.

Hardie, currently playing for Western Australia in a Sheffield Shield match, will join the squad before the first T20I. While Stoinis remains a key figure in Australia’s T20 plans, his recurring injuries pose a concern.

His absence opens an opportunity for Hardie to showcase his skills as a potential backup all-rounder who can bat in the middle order alongside the likes of Glenn Maxwell.

Other Australian all-rounders also have injury concerns. Captain Mitchell Marsh’s ankle requires ongoing management, and Maxwell is still recovering from a broken leg. Spinner Matthew Short also missed the T20I series due to a hamstring injury.

Cameron Green, touted as a potential all-rounder option, was not considered for the New Zealand series as selectors want him to focus on red-ball cricket ahead of the upcoming Test tour. He will then play the entire IPL season to solidify his claim for a World Cup spot.

Fast bowler Nathan Ellis returns from a rib injury and is likely to be the backup pace option behind the established trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins, all featuring in the New Zealand series. Sean Abbott and Jason Behrendorff remain on standby, with Abbott still managing a shoulder issue.

Experienced batsmen Steven Smith and Travis Head are back in the T20I squad after resting during the West Indies series. They are expected to get multiple opportunities at the top of the order as Australia seeks to finalize their batting lineup for the World Cup.

With key players missing due to injuries and uncertainties surrounding their form, the T20I series in New Zealand presents a valuable opportunity for fringe players like Hardie to step up and make a case for selection in the crucial World Cup campaign.