Australia name Aaron Finch as their new T20 captain
Aaron Finch has been named as Australia’s Twenty20 international team captain following George Bailey’s resignation from the post. Bailey decided to step down citing his willingness to play longer format games for his state side Tasmania in a bid to get selected for the national Test team.
Speaking to the media after being appointed as the skipper, Finch, expressing his surprise, said that it was indeed a dream come true for him.
The 27-year-old said: "Having the honour to captain your country in any form of the game is something that all young cricketers dream about. 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.”
Targets 2016 T20 World Cup
The right hander, who made his T20 debut in 2011, against England at Adelaide, has scored 660 runs for his country averaging 41.25 per dismissal at a strike rate of 156 in 18 matches. He is all set to become Australia’s 7th T20 skipper when his side plays Pakistan at Dubai in October.
Taking up the responsibility, Finch thanked the captains he has played under and added that he would do his best to bring home the ICC World T20 trophy in 2016.
"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," Finch said
Australia will be keen to improve on their group stage exit in the 2014 edition of the tournament held in Bangladesh.
IPL captaincy experience behind appointment
National selector Rod Marsh revealed that Finch, who is ranked as the world number 1 batsman in T20 internationals, was chosen on the back of his experience with the role for his Big Bash T20 team Melbourne Renegades and the now defunct Pune Warriors India in IPL.
Rod Marsh said: "Aaron is the world's number-one ranked T20 International batsman and thoroughly deserves this opportunity. 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.