Alex Carey will become just the fourth wicket-keeper to captain Australia’s men’s ODI team when the side takes on the West Indies in the first of three one-day internationals on Tuesday at Kensington Oval.
Alex Carey Is Honoured To Be Assigned Captaincy In Injured Aaron Finch’s Absence
Wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey takes over the captaincy in the absence of regular vice-captain Pat Cummins who is sitting out the Caribbean tour. Only three keepers have captained Australia’s men’s ODI team in the past.
They are Adam Gilchrist (17 matches), Ian Healy (8), and Tim Paine (5). Alex Carey was previously a joint vice-captain of the ODI side until the selectors reverted to the traditional model of having one player in the position by naming Pat Cummins as vice-captain across all formats last year.
“I am deeply honoured to be able to lead the team while Aaron recovers,” Alex Carey said.
“To captain, Australia is one of the greatest privileges in sport and an honour I am extremely thankful to receive. Finchy is our captain and we will welcome him back with open arms when he is fully fit, so for now I hope I can fill the role to his extremely high standards. To lead this group against the West Indies in the West Indies is a great challenge and one I very much look forward to for as long as I have the opportunity.”
Cricket Australia said Monday that Aaron Finch injured a knee while batting in the fifth Twenty20 in St. Lucia. Alex Carey has previously captained the Adelaide Strikers, the South Australian Redbacks and Australia A.
Australia Looking To Bounce Back From T20I Series Loss And Will Be Confident For Winning Last 3 Bilateral ODI Series
Aaron Finch had been managing an issue with his right knee for some time till he twisted it while fielding in the final T20I on July 17. The 34-year-old had to briefly leave the ground. Aaron Finch appeared in discomfort in a chase of 200, especially when running between the wickets for a second a run on an overthrow.
Australia will be looking to bounce back from their 4-1 T20I series loss to the same opposition and have reason to be confident having won each of their past three ODI campaigns. The second ODI is set for Thursday and the final match on Saturday, all at Kensington Oval. West Indies won the T20 series 4-1, including the first three matches.
Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, and Matthew Wade were the three bright spots for the Australian team in their otherwise dismal outing in the preceding T20I series. But the ODI is a different format and is Australia’s stronger suit compared to the other two formats. Although the Men in Yellow would have wanted Aaron Finch to open the innings, he seemed to be in searing pain while running between the wickets, after he twisted the ankle.
The country’s seven top cricketers including the likes of David Warner, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Marcus Stoinis, and Daniel Sams have pulled out from the upcoming West Indies series and won’t be visiting Bangladesh if that tour is confirmed. Star batsman Steve Smith was also not included in the squad as he is yet to fully recover from an elbow injury that flared up during the IPL.