Put Finch to Test: O’Keeffe
FOX Sports’ star commentarybox signing Kerry O’Keeffe says Australian selectors should consider Aaron Finch as a Test opener.
With David Warner and Steve Smith rubbed out for 12 months, one of the best analysts in the game is intrigued by the role Finch might play across all three formats.
At 31, Finch has never played Test cricket, but in the current environment, O’Keeffe argues a player with 13 international hundreds to his name and a first-class average of 50 over the past two years presents a compelling claim to assume Warner’s post.
O’Keeffe and former fastbowling great and IPL presenting favourite Brett Lee have been confirmed as the latest additions to Fox Cricket’s dynamic commentary team.
For Lee, it’s a return to Australian screens after being let go by Channel 9 two summers ago, while O’Keeffe is relishing the chance to transfer his unique flair for entertaining audiences from radio to TV.
Finch has often been criticised for his abilities against the moving red ball, but O’Keeffe says the Victorian offers strong claims as a Warner like-for-like successor at the top of the order to partner Matt Renshaw.
“If you get international hundreds but are not seen as a Test player, then why not?” O’Keeffe said.
“Finch looks an opener.”