Finch to captain Australia in Sri Lanka T20I series

Opening batsman will lead his side in absence of Smith, Warner


Afp January 31, 2017
Finch will lead his side in absence of Smith, Warner. PHOTO: AFP

SYDNEY: Opening batsman Aaron Finch will lead the Australia’s T20I side in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka with captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner resting ahead of the tour of India.

Finch, who was stand-in captain in Monday’s ODI against New Zealand, will take the helm for three matches in February, Cricket Australia announced on Tuesday.

“It’s very exciting to be back and leading the side in Steve’s absence,” said Finch, who has captained the T20I side on six previous occasions.

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“It’s been a rollercoaster from being captain leading up to the World T20 [in 2016], being injured and then Steve taking over the reins for that tournament, but it’s something that any time you get the chance to captain your country in any format, you’re very chuffed about,” he added.

Finch captained the Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s domestic T20 Big Bash competition and believes selectors will be spoilt for depth in the absence of some of Australia's leading playmakers.

“There are some extraordinary players around the country that will now get an opportunity and I think that’s only a good thing for Australian cricket,” he said.

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Smith and Warner have been left out of the T20I squad as they prepare for the four-test tour of India which begins on February 23.

Former opening batsman Justin Langer will step in as acting head coach for Darren Lehmann for the Sri Lanka T20I series which kicks off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 17.

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