Victorian to take on Australia's top T20 role
Finch replaces Bailey as captain
Melbourne Renegades batsman Aaron Finch has beaten a host of contenders to replace George Bailey as Australia’s Twenty20 captain for the upcoming VB Tour of the UAE.
Finch, 27, was picked ahead of a hot field including David Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron White to earn the prestigious role following Bailey’s announcement yesterday that he was standing down from the position.
“Aaron is the world’s number-one ranked T20 International batsman and thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” said national selector Rod Marsh.
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“He has gained quality leadership experience through his role as captain of the Melbourne Renegades and the Pune Warriors.
“He also captained Australia A against the England Lions last year and excelled when given that chance.
“When George indicated that he was stepping down from the position, we thought Aaron was the obvious choice to succeed him.
“We know he will relish the opportunity to lead his country.”
Finch, who owns the world record for most runs in a T20 international courtesy of the 156 he plundered from just 63 balls against England in Southampton last year, said he was excited to be assuming the position.
“Having the honour to captain your country in any form of the game is something that all young cricketers dream about,” he said.
Thank you for all the great messages of support! Very honoured to be given an amazing opportunity to lead the country in T20!
— Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) September 8, 2014
“It came as a big surprise but it was a very nice phone call to receive from Rod Marsh.
“I never imagined when captaining in the past that it would lead to national responsibilities.
“I’ve just set out to be the best player that I can and luckily an opportunity like this has come my way.
“I have been fortunate enough to play under some fantastic captains, including Michael Clarke and George Bailey and I have learnt a lot from them.
“It goes without saying that I will do my utmost in this role as we lead into the ICC World T20 in about eighteen months’ time. It’s going to be very exciting.”
Marsh made plain the challenge facing Finch, after Australia’s most recent disappointment of bowing out in the group stages of this year’s World T20 tournament in Bangladesh.
“He has a task ahead of him,” he said.
“He is taking on a young side that is currently ranked fifth in the world. His first challenge will be building consistent performances as they head towards the ICC World Twenty20 in 2016.”
Australia’s T20 squad for one-off international v Pakistan, October 6: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Cameron Boyce, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.