Coach Adam Voges Confirms Leadership Choice Over Vice-Captain Inglis Due to Communication Dynamics
All-rounder Aaron Hardie has assumed the role of stand-in captain for the Perth Scorchers for the remainder of the Big Bash League season following the sidelining of two-time championship-winning skipper Ashton Turner due to a knee injury.
Despite not holding the official vice-captaincy, 25-year-old Hardie has been appointed as the captain, bypassing vice-captain Josh Inglis in the Scorchers’ hierarchy. Coach Adam Voges confirmed that this decision was made primarily because of the challenges faced by a wicketkeeper in communicating effectively with bowlers under time pressure on the field.
“Josh is excellent strategically,” Voges stated. “However, there are limitations to what a wicketkeeper can manage, especially during intense moments. When time is tight within an innings, it becomes challenging to foster communication and a strong connection with the bowling group. We observed this recently when Ash was off the field, and that influenced our decision-making process. Nonetheless, if the decision had swung the other way in favor of Josh, we would have had confidence in his abilities as well.”
Hardie has been informally involved in the leadership group this season, participating in all of the Scorchers’ strategic meetings alongside the captain and coach since the tournament’s commencement.
This appointment crowns a significant year for Hardie, marked by his T20I and ODI debuts in South Africa, inclusion in Australia’s white-ball teams’ tour of India flanking the ODI World Cup, and his captaincy of Australia A in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln earlier in the year.
“Foremost, we’re all hoping for AT’s swift recovery,” expressed Hardie. “He’s been an exceptional captain and player, someone the squad deeply respects. Personally, leading this team in his absence is an honor and a challenge I’m eager to embrace. We possess ample experience and leadership within the squad, and leveraging that knowledge collectively is one of our strengths. I’m confident the entire squad will remain focused and united, enhancing our chances of clinching another title.”
Additionally, the BBL announced that the abandoned match between the Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades in Geelong would not be rescheduled, with the points being shared.
Commenting on this, Voges stated, “It’s a decision we’ve accepted and moved on from. It’s akin to a washout had the game not proceeded at all. We’ll acknowledge the point and continue ahead. While in terms of points, there might not be much room for action as per the playing conditions, accountability for the water on the covered pitch should indeed be addressed.”
