Surrey have signed the highly rated Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie for the remainder of the Vitality Blast.
Hardie has joined up with the team and will be available for Friday’s Vitality Blast game against Kent.
Hardie has just finished the Australia A Team tour of Sri Lanka where he scored 226 runs at an average of 75 as well as picking up five wickets in two four-day games and two 50-over matches. Hardie also starred in this year’s Sheffield Shield final, guiding Western Australia to victory with an unbeaten 174 as well as taking 3-54 opening the bowling.
A powerful batter, the Australian averages 50 in first class cricket with two hundreds. With the ball, he has taken 32 wickets at just over 25. Hardie also claimed the scalps of both Virat Kohli and Joe Root in tour matches in Australia.
Hardie was part of the Big Bash-winning Perth Scorchers and is highly regarded by the Australian national selectors. As well as playing in the Vitality Blast, he will be available for the County Championship match against Yorkshire at Scarborough.
Aaron Hardie said “I’m super stoked to be joining Surrey. I spoke to Laurie and Jason about what it’s like to play here at The Kia Oval and I’m really excited to see what the crowd bring on Friday. I’m keen to learn from players like Hashim as well as the younger guys in the dressing room like Will Jacks and I hope I can make a good contribution to the team.”
Alec Stewart, Surrey CCC Director of Cricket, said “Aaron’s all round skill sets will bring us very good options in our Vitality Blast campaign and the County Championship game at Scarborough.”
