Already hurting over a 4-1 T20I series loss against the hosts, visitors Australia could now lose their skipper Aaron Finch for the rest of the West Indies tour because of an untimely injury.
Finch is a doubtful starter for the three-match ODI series versus the Calypso Kings after twisting his knee during Friday’s fifth and final T20I in St Lucia. Australia batsman was already managing this knee issue and looked in discomfort while batting, having aggravated the problem in the first half.
With a cloud of uncertainty hovering over Finch’s participation in the three ICC Super League fixtures coming up, Australia are left pondering over a potential captaincy replacement for the same since vice-captain Pat Cummins is not part of the tour.
If Cummins was available, it would’ve been a straightforward choice but in his and also the absence of fellow senior pros David Warner and Steve Smith, Finch’s replacement at the helm is anyone’s guess.
“It’s a bit of a moving thing, the vice-captaincy. Going forward in the one-dayers I have no idea what will happen there. I am probably not expecting to play, especially if Finchy plays, but if he doesn’t there might be an opportunity for me to play,”
“I came over here thinking I would play the T20s and I wouldn’t play the ODIs. But if Finchy doesn’t come up there might be an opportunity to play, so we’ll wait and see.”
Wade told cricket.com.au, hinting that he would be willing to lead the team if asked to do the job.
Matthew Wade, who is Finch’s deputy in the T20Is, could be an option. However, the wicketkeeper-batsman himself said he is not sure whether he will retain his place for the ODI series. Wade hasn’t played a 50-over international for Australia since 2017.
Other captaincy options for Australia could be lead pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
