Finch set to take over as ODI captain
CRICKET: 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 oneday internationals 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.
National selectors 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 next year’s World Cup.
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 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 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.