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Fitness to blame for ODI omission: Finch

Opener says he is confident he will return after a horror injury run, as players who missed out on Australia’s ODI squad respond to their omissions

Fitness not form is the reason behind Aaron Finch’s omission from the limited-overs squad for the Qantas Tour of the British Isles, the opening batsman has revealed.

Finch, who has experienced a horror run of injuries since helping Australia capture their fifth World Cup title earlier this year, was not part of the 14-man squad named to take on England in six one-day internationals and one Twenty20.

The 28-year-old underwent surgery on his hamstring in April after snapping the tendon in his left leg, but was cleared to play for County cricket club Yorkshire earlier than anticipated.

However, shortly after his return, Finch was struck a nasty blow in a match for the Yorkshire Second XI. He was forced to retire hurt after spitting up blood, but two sets of scans cleared the hard-hitting right-hander of any serious damage.

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Finch is carried off in the IPL // Getty Images

Finch’s latest task is to continue his recovery from a fractured foot – sustained while playing a T20 match in July – an injury that handed close friend Glenn Maxwell the opportunity to remain with Yorkshire as his replacement.

Quick single: Comfortable Maxwell eyes Test recall

While Finch has struggled for form in between rehabilitation stints, the opener said National Selector Rod Marsh told him he hadn’t been ‘dropped’.

“I spoke to Rod Marsh at length the other day,” Finch told News Corp.

“I said ‘Rod have you dropped me or was I not considered for selection because I haven’t been playing?’.

“He said ‘you’re not dropped, you’re just not considered because you haven’t played and we feel it’s the right time to give other guys a go’.

“All indications are that I haven’t been dropped.”

Queensland batsman Joe Burns will get an opportunity to partner David Warner at the top of the order when the Australians move to the shorter formats with an ODI against Ireland on August 27.

Watch: Joe Burns wreaks havoc in Chennai (restrictions apply)

Finch admitted he could have a fight on his hands to win back his spot ahead of the Victoria Bitter ODI Series against India early next year.

“Joe Burns is a very good player and there is always that case if someone comes in and dominates and you don’t get your spot back,” said Finch, who scored a World Record 156 in a Twenty20 International the last time Australia toured England.

“I’m still confident I can get runs for Yorkshire and Victoria and be back.”

The competition for spots in the World Champion line-up has been a hot topic all week, with Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh and Nathan Lyon among those who could be considered unlucky to miss out.

Quick single: Khawaja disappointed by ODI omission

New Queensland skipper Khawaja amassed a mountain of runs in recent domestic one-day seasons, and showed strong form against the white ball as he led Australia A on their tour of India in the past fortnight.

“When I found out I was very disappointed,” Khawaja said from Chennai following Australia A’s tri-series final defeat to India A.

“I thought I was next in line, but obviously I don’t pick the team. 

“That’s cricket. That’s selection. It happens. 

“I’m not the first person to be disappointed about not being selected.”

Watch: Usman Khawaja's Australia A ton (restrictions apply)

While Khawaja was disappointed to be left out of the squad, Alcohol.Think Again Western Warriors coach Justin Langer said he was stunned by the decision to snub WA batsman Shaun Marsh.

Quick single: Langer shocked by Shaun Marsh snub

Marsh has struggled to cement a spot in the Test team, but has averaged 39.8 across his 46 ODIs.

"I don't know what the reason is ... but I'm shocked," Langer said.

"I can't imagine it's an age thing.

They've got guys who are older in that squad.

"He's only 32 years old, and he's in unbelievable physical condition.

"He also missed out on the World Cup, and I think he's just such a dominant shorter-form cricketer.

"I'm really amazed."

Marsh’s international future remains unclear as Australia look set to enter a new era under new captain Steve Smith, while off-spinner Nathan Lyon will continue as a Test specialist - at least for now.

Watch: Mitchell Marsh and Nathan Lyon the pick of Australia's bowlers in warm-up

Lyon claimed 12 wickets in the first four Tests of Australia’s unsuccessful Ashes campaign, but won’t get the opportunity to add to his eight ODIs when the tourists change to the coloured clothing later this month.

Quick single: Lyon disappointed to be left out

"I was disappointed," Lyon said in Northampton on Saturday.

"There's no point hiding behind it, I want to be the No.1 spinner in all three formats.

"But Ashton's been bowling well over in India and they've gone for a spinner that will spin it away from the right-handers.

"I'll just have to work hard."