Whiteman captained WA in 38 Shield games under Voges, including two of those Shield titles in 2022-23 against Victoria and 2023-24 against Tasmania. He is one of only four WA captains to win multiple Shields alongside John Inverarity (four), Graeme Wood (three) and Tom Moody (two). But with Voges moving on and Whiteman set to play for WA as an overseas player after signing a long-term contract to play with Yorkshire in the county championship in England owing to his dual citizenship, WA has elected to install Hardie as the new red-ball captain.

“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.

“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 said Hardie is a great fit for a transitioning group.

“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.”

The presence of Whiteman and Turner will be important given Hardie remains on the fringes of Australia’s white-ball teams and could miss Shield games at times during the summer. Hardie has earned a recall for Australia’s T20 tour of Bangladesh in June on the back of an outstanding PSL. Australia has five T20Is against England coming up in November that will overlap with the first six rounds of the Shield season but there are no white-ball tours post the BBL.