Sydney: Australian T20 skipper Aaron Finch is expected to be replaced by Steve Smith for the upcoming World T20 Cup to be played in India due to a hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during the second game of the three-match series against India in Melbourne, forcing Shane Watson to take on the role of stand-in captain for the third T20 in Sydney.
Australia later went on to suffer a humiliating 0-3 defeat in the series.
Smith’s appointment as a T20 skipper for the upcoming pinnacle event means that he will become the first captain since Ricky Ponting’s retirement in 2009, to lead the national squad in all three formats of the game.
Earlier, Finch had admitted that he had an utmost respect for Smith as a captain and added that he would take his advice or help whenever required.
“I’m the captain of the side and I’ve got the utmost respect for him (Smith) as a player and as a leader.I know that no matter what the situation, everyone is just there to win a game.I’m going to use him as much as I can for advice and for tactics, and just small things like that. Under my leadership I want everyone to have their plans and their own ideas, and be able to feel comfortable to come to me no matter what the situation of the game. It’s very open and that will be no different with Steve there. It’s great to have him in the side,” Finch was quoted, as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The ICC World T20 is slated to be held from March 11 to April 3. (ANI)