Share

Finch set for Australia return

Australia opener Aaron Finch looks likely to return for Sunday's third ODI against India having missed the opening two matches with injury.

In his place Hilton Cartwright has managed to score just 1 run in both innings.

Australia physio Alex Kountouris put Finch through his paces with no sign of the calf injury slowing him down in an intensive sprint session.

His participation in the critical third encounter will only be confirmed on the morning of the match.

Opening partner David Warner told the press after training on Saturday morning: "It's good signs to see him back in the nets and he's doing everything possible to be fit for this game.

"We know what he's going to bring. He's a very good batter, he's played a lot of cricket over the past couple of years, he's got a lot of experience and for us at the top of the order, he brings a lot of aggression."

Middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb was added to the squad as cover after Finch sustained the injury but didn't play in the two losses.

Handscomb could slot into an out of sorts batting lineup with whom skipper Steve Smith is not pleased.

With keeper Matthew Wade struggling for form Handscomb could take the gloves while Cartwright is almost certain to be axed.

Warner defended Cartwright who has found opening a tough nut to crack saying: "It's always challenging as a young guy to come into a team and take a bull by its horns.

"It's very, very difficult.

"Especially when you come over here and play for the first time on the world stage against one of the best one-day teams in the world in their own park, it's very difficult and it can be overwhelming.

"What he brings to us is experience in his knowledge of the game. He's a workaholic, he loves the game of cricket, he brings a good dynamic to our set-up and we thoroughly love having him here." 

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE