Western Australia have confirmed Aaron Hardie as their new Sheffield Shield captain, with the allrounder set to take over from Sam Whiteman ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The leadership change comes as WA undergo a period of transition in red-ball cricket. Long-time head coach Adam Voges has stepped down after eight seasons, with former Australia wristspinner Beau Casson assuming control of the Shield and One-Day Cup sides after previously serving as batting coach.
Whiteman led Western Australia in 38 Shield matches under Voges, guiding the team to titles in 2022-23 and 2023-24. He joins an elite group of captains to have won multiple Sheffield Shields for the state, alongside John Inverarity, Graeme Wood and Tom Moody. However, with Voges’ departure and Whiteman set to play as an overseas player for Yorkshire in the County Championship following a long-term deal, WA have opted to hand the captaincy to Hardie.
At 27, Hardie has long been considered a leadership candidate. He has previously captained Australia A against New Zealand A in 2023 and England Lions in 2025, and also led the Perth Scorchers in eight matches during the 2023-24 Big Bash League season in the absence of Ashton Turner. Turner will continue as WA’s white-ball captain and Scorchers skipper.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be given the opportunity to captain WA in the Sheffield Shield and lead a group that means a great deal to me,” Hardie said. “We’ve got a strong culture here and a playing group full of quality people, so I’m excited to work closely with Beau and the wider squad as we head into a new season.
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“I’ve learned a great deal from the leaders and players around me over the years, and I’m looking forward to bringing my own approach to the role while helping create an environment where the group can thrive.”
Casson backed the appointment, highlighting Hardie’s influence within the squad. “Aaron is someone who commands enormous respect within our group through the way he prepares, competes and carries himself every day,” Casson said. “He has a strong understanding of the game, a measured approach under pressure and genuine care for the people around him, which makes him an outstanding fit to lead the team moving forward.
“We’re also incredibly grateful for the leadership Sam has provided over a sustained period of success, and we know his experience and influence will continue to be invaluable within the group moving forward.”
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Whiteman and Turner are expected to remain key figures within the squad, particularly as Hardie may miss parts of the Shield season due to international commitments. He has been recalled for Australia’s T20I tour of Bangladesh in June after strong performances in PSL 2026, while a five-match T20I series against England in November will overlap with the early rounds of the Shield season.
