Ashton Turner was ruled out of rest of BBL 13 due to a knee injury.
Despite Josh Inglis being the vice-captain, Hardie has been named captain, and Scorchers' coach Adam Voges confirmed that management preferred the all-rounder r due to a preference for the skipper to be closer to the bowler in the field for ease and efficiency of communication.
"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. 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,” Voges was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
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This is huge news for Hardie, who made his ODI and T20I debut for Australia in South Africa and also toured India with Australia's white-ball teams either side of the ODI World Cup. He also captained Australia A in the second unofficial Test against New Zealand A in Lincoln earlier this year.
"First and foremost, we're all wishing AT a speedy recovery. 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. I'm sure the whole squad will remain focused and united to give us the best chance of winning another title,” Hardie said.
The BBL also confirmed on Sunday that the abandoned match between Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades in Geelong would not be replayed with the points being shared.
Voges said his club had accepted the decision but thinks there should be some accountability for water getting on the covered pitch.
(ANI inputs)