Finch in line to lead Aussies in one-dayers

GEELONG batsman Aaron Finch is set to be unveiled as the man to spearhead Australia’s World Cup defence when the squad is named for next month’s ODIs against South Africa.

Already national T20 captain, Finch is poised to replace Tim Paine as the ODI skipper and assume full responsibility for Australia in white-ball cricket.

Paine’s axing is expected to be made formal when the squad is announced in coming days ahead of the first ODI in Perth on November 4.

Star pacemen Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood — the latter two having returned from back injuries in NSW’s second XI last week — are all set to be named.

But it’s understood Mitch Marsh is no certainty and could instead be given time in the middle in the Sheffield Shield after a lean run with the bat at Test level.

Test skipper Paine’s likely omission comes after he oversaw a 5-0 whitewash defeat in the ODI series in England earlier this year.

National selectors had made it clear upon appointing Paine that he was only a temporary ODI captain, and his exit would allow emerging leader Alex Carey to take over as wicketkeeper ahead of the World Cup starting next May.

Carey, who was recently appointed joint vice-captain of the T20 side along with Mitch Marsh, said there would be obvious benefits to having Finch oversee both white-ball teams.

“If Finchy was given the opportunity, no doubt he would be really good at the job,” Carey said. “His performances are so vital for success in Aus- tralian 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 oneday team, and he obviously is the captain of the T20 team, it’s quite a similar message all the way across the board.”

Finch is set to play across all three formats this summer after making a successful Test debut in the UAE.

Carey wore the wicketkeeping gloves on debut in Brisbane last summer but was relegated behind Paine in his other two ODI appearances in England.

“It’s something I really want to do,” Carey said.

“Hopefully I can get the opportunity.”

Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell and D’Arcy Short are among other likely batting inclusions to take on an imposing South African pace attack.

Shaun Marsh’s twin centuries in England should save his spot despite being in dire form at Test level. Coach Justin Langer has indicated runs in the 50-over format will be valued when it comes to selecting players for the first Test against India in Adelaide.