Hopefully, we can bring some joy, entertainment to Sri Lanka: Aaron Finch

Australia limited-overs skipper Aaron Finch reckons that his team would be able to bring some amount of happiness by the way of entertainment on the cricket field to the people in Sri Lanka who have been facing a lot of restlessness in the last few months due to the ongoing economic crisis.

The Australian squad landed in the island nation on Wednesday, June 1, for a six-week all-format bilateral series consisting of two Test matches, five One Day Internationals, and three T20Is. More importantly, the bilateral series will provide a much-needed relief for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) who are putting their best foot forward to hosting the Asia Cup later this year.

We are here to play cricket: Aaron Finch

“We are here to play cricket. Hopefully, we can bring some joy, some entertainment to Sri Lanka … This is the first time we’re here since 2016, which is such a long gap,” said Aaron Finch as quoted by India Today.

“It’s such a special place to tour. The hospitality that you get here, the friendliness, and their love for the game is unbelievable”, he added.

Sri Lanka is facing its worst-ever financial crisis with the inflation rate affecting the day-to-day lives of the citizens along with some political unrest that witnessed protests and frequent power cuts in the nation. Many eminent cricketers of the island nation including the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, etc. have raised their voices over this issue.

Amid the chaotic situation, Sri Lanka also witnessed a change in the political regime with Ranil Wickremesinghe succeeding Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister last month.

Coming back to the on-field action, the eagerly-anticipated bilateral series will get underway on June 7 and conclude on July 12. Australia would be hoping to continue their Asian dominance after having won the Test and T20I series in Pakistan earlier this year. Aaron Finch himself would be eager to get some runs under his belt after a dismal IPL.