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As Australia gear up to face Sri Lanka in the 2-match ODI series, the visitors’ squad is loaded with young emerging talents and players who have proven their worth in the domestic circuit and have been allowed to showcase their abilities for the national side. One such name in the Australian squad is that of Aaron Hardie.
The 26-year-old has gone through the struggles and heat of the Australian domestic circuit and is rapidly turning out to be the next big all-round sensation in Australian cricket following the likes of Shane Watson and Andrew Symonds. In light of his maiden tour to Sri Lanka, here are some key facts about Hardie.
All you need to know about Aaron Hardie
1. Birth and early beginnings
Hardie was born on January 7, 1999, in Bournemouth, England, but his family moved out of England and settled down in Perth, Australia, where he spent his childhood and got his first exposure to cricket. Hardie is the only child to his parents who saw his interest in the game as a child and inspired him to pursue cricket as a career. Apart from cricket, he got a keen interest in fishing and playing football from his parents early on in his life.
2. First big opportunity as a youngster:
In January 2018, Hardie was named in Australia’s squad for the Under-19 Cricket World Cup, but an unfortunate injury ruled him out of the tournament, delaying his big-stage debut. However, later that year, he earned an opportunity to play for the Cricket Australia XI in a high-profile four-day match against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Hardie made an immediate impact, dismissing Indian captain Virat Kohli and finishing with impressive bowling figures of 4/50 in the first innings. Showcasing his all-round abilities, he also contributed with the bat, scoring a crucial 86 runs. Reflecting on the experience, Hardie described the moment as “a bit surreal,” highlighting the significance of the match in his early career. This performance marked his arrival as a promising all-rounder, paving the way for greater opportunities in Australian cricket.
Also Read: SL vs AUS: Fans go gaga as Charith Asalanka smashes a remarkable ton against Australia in the 1st ODI
3. Domestic cricket debut:
Hardie made his Twenty20 debut for the Perth Scorchers in the 2018–19 Big Bash League season on January 9, 2019. Later that year, he continued his rise in Australian domestic cricket, making his first-class debut for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield on March 20, 2019, followed by his List A debut in the Marsh One-Day Cup on October 23, 2019. Hardie’s breakthrough moment came in March 2020, when he scored his maiden first-class century, proving his ability as a dependable all-rounder. His standout performance arrived in the 2021–22 Sheffield Shield final, where he played a match-winning knock of 174 not out to help Western Australia clinch the title. Recognizing his growing reputation, Surrey signed him in June 2022 to play in England’s T20 Blast and County Championship, further expanding his experience in the shortest format.
4. First experience of International cricket:
In August 2023, Aaron Hardie received his first international call-up, earning a place in Australia’s squad for both the T20I and ODI series against South Africa. He made his much-anticipated T20I debut on August 30, 2023, in the opening match of the three-game series, marking his entry into international cricket. Just days later, on September 9, he stepped onto the ODI stage, making his ODI debut in the 2nd encounter of the five-match series. Hardie’s selection came against the backdrop of his impressive domestic performances and his growing reputation as a talented all-rounder. With his ability to contribute with both bat and ball, he quickly became a valuable asset for Australia’s limited-overs setup.
5. A heartwarming relationship:
Hardie has been in a long-term relationship with Anna Bodlovich, with the couple often sharing glimpses of their bond on social media. Beyond being a supportive partner, Bodlovich has built a successful career in marketing, holding dual roles in the industry. Since April 2022, she has worked as a Marketing Assistant at Switch Agency, where she contributes to branding, promotional campaigns, and client engagement. Additionally, she has been serving as an Assistant Brand Manager at Myaree Ceramics on a part-time basis since May 2021, showcasing her expertise in brand management. With both Hardie and Bodlovich excelling in their respective fields, they continue to support each other’s ambitions while maintaining a strong and enduring relationship.
