1st ODI: Aaron Finch is injured, Alex Carey to captain Australia against West Indies
Alex Carey will become just the fourth goalkeeper for Australia’s men’s ODI team when the team takes part in the first of three one-day internationals on Tuesday at Kensington Oval.
Cricket Australia said on Monday that Finch injured a knee while batting in the fifth Twenty20 in St. Lucia last Friday and that his fitness for the ODI series will be assessed on a day-to-day basis.
Wicketkeeper-batsman 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).
“I am deeply honoured to be able to lead the team while Aaron recovers,” 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.”
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.
