Hardie’s domineering form since being promoted at No.3 has been a key factor in the Perth Scorchers making another run at the title.
Four-time champions Scorchers sit atop the BBL ladder with two games to spare and have lost only once at their home fort.
The young gun has shown an ability to adapt his game across formats, scoring an unbeaten 174 in last season’s drawn Sheffield Shield final to secure the WA title.
The all-time great Ponting brought in Hardie as Boulter for the Sydney Test against South Africa, and the towering right-hander, who averages 45 with the bat in first-class cricket, seems destined for higher honours.
This could also include the IPL, with fellow West Australian fast bowler Cameron Green recently sold at auction for $3.15 million – a record price for an Australian player.
Hardie did not enroll for this season and is believed to be considering a return to county cricket which could put him in the eye of the national selectors ahead of the Ashes series.
“I’ve put my name in the draft before, but this year for a variety of reasons,” Hardy told reporters after Wednesday night’s game. “Obviously if you put a number like that at the end of it, it’s silly to say no.
“I don’t really want to pigeonhole myself into any type of format. Just be able to contribute in all possible games. Being an all-rounder in four-day cricket takes its toll on the body, but I like the challenge as well. I’m enjoying playing all three as long as I can.”
Hardy hasn’t bowled in the BBL since suffering a groin strain earlier this season, but said he was ready if the need arose, although that is unlikely given the Scorchers’ formidable depth.