Published: Oct 26, 2018, 04:25 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 26, 2018, 04:25 PM (IST)
Aaron Finch, who made his Test debut in the first match against Pakistan earlier this month, is all set to be named as Australia’s ODI skipper when the squad for the upcoming South Africa is announced next month.
According to a report in Sydney Morning Herald on Friday, Finch, who is already the T20I skipper, will take over the reins from the incumbent Tim Paine, under whom Australia were whitewashed 5-0 in the ODI series in England this year.
Finch will lead the ODI side in the three-match series against South Africa which begins with the first ODI on November 4 at Perth. The ODI series will be followed by a one-off Twenty20 International on November 17 at the Cannara Oval, Queensland.
Pacer Mitchell Starc, who picked up a hamstring injury during the second Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will be named in the squad. Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell and D’Arcy Short are among the likely inclusions in the squad.
Shaun Marsh, who notched just 14 runs in the two Tests in the UAE, is expected to retain his place due to the dual centuries he scored in England.
According to the report, the selectors were clean that Paine’s ODI appointment was temporary and his departure would see Alex Carey donning the ’keeper’s gloves ahead of the ICC World Cup next year. However, there remains an uncertainty over Mitchell Marsh, who could be drafted for the Sheffield Shield after a patchy display with the bat in Tests.
“If Finchy was given the opportunity, no doubt he would be really good at the job,” Carey was quoted as saying.
“His performances are so vital for success in Australian cricket in one-dayers and T20s. In an ideal world, the two teams aren’t too different and he can really put his stamp on the white-ball teams. If he does captain the one-day team, and he obviously is the captain of the T20 team, it’s quite a similar message all the way across the board.”
