Usman Khawaja to replace injured Aaron Finch for the 3rd T20I

After having suffered a hamstring injury on the course of his innings of 78 runs in 44 balls, there was a question mark over Aaron Finch’s availability in the next match. However, Cricket Australia has confirmed that Finch is all set to miss the dead rubber T20 international against India on Sunday.

The Aussie selectors have named the in-form batsman Usman Khawaja as his replacement for the last T20I. The selectors would also be searching a suitable candidate for captaincy during Finch’s absence in the last match. Shane Watson and Shaun Marsh as of now seem likely candidates for the captaincy post.

When Shane Watson was asked during the press conference after the series loss, regarding Aaron Finch’s injury, he told, ‘Aaron is being assessed at the moment but, unfortunately, he’s definitely done some form of damage to his hamstring.’

Further, when asked about the seriousness of the injury, Watson said, ‘At this point in time obviously we don’t exactly know the extent, but unfortunately for ‘Finchy’ it’s at least probably a week or so out, from my own personal experience a number of times. It’s very unfortunate for him because he batted beautifully again tonight.”

However, Finch’s loss might well be Usman Khawaja’s gain. He’s coming into the Australian side after a back of some splendid performances for the Sydney Thunders in the BBL.

Speaking about Khawaja’s inclusion in the side, Watson told, “Usman is very well placed to be able to play anywhere at the moment, wherever the opportunity arises, because he’s batting incredibly well, as well as I’ve ever seen anyone bat. He’s ready to go, and whatever the opportunity arises he’s in incredible control of his game at the moment. Whatever opportunities come his way he incredibly deserves.”