Aaron Finch might return to the Australian squad for 3rd ODI

Australian opener Aaron Finch might return to the side at the top for the third ODI in Indore after missing the first two games of the series. Finch aggravated the injury in his right calf after landing in India and was rested from the practice game as well. But he could not recover before the start of the series and Peter Handscomb had to fly in all the way from Australia on the eve of the first game in Chennai as cover. However, there are chances that Australia’s preferred opener is all set to make his comeback.

Hilton Cartwright looked pretty ordinary with his technique in the first couple of games of his ODI career. He could only score 2 runs across and was bowled by the Indian new ball bowlers through the gate. Finch will replace him in all likelihood if he is fit which could bolster the batting line-up and give Australia much needed solidity at the top of the order.

Handscomb inline to keep wickets

The Victorian was put through an intensive sprint session under the watch of experienced physio Alex Kountouris and after taking some catches at first slip had a lengthy stint in the outfield nets. In between shots, he sprinted well between the wickets and his fitness will be assessed on the morning of the match to determine if he’s clear to make a return. His opening partner Warner was delighted to see Finch training in full tilt and hoped that he will return to the team with full fitness on Sunday.

“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,” Warner said.

However, there are also chances that Peter Handscomb might take the wicketkeeping gloves ahead of the regular Matthew Wade. The latter struggled in humid conditions in Kolkata and has also failed to contribute with the bat. Handscomb did some wicketkeeping drills with fielding coach Brad Haddin on Saturday and is the only option to take the gloves should selectors opt to discard out-of-form keeper-batsman, Wade.

Australia are 0-2 down in the series and if Finch returns at the top, they will surely try to come hard at the Indian bowlers in the powerplay and not allow them early breakthroughs something they have enjoyed in the last couple of games.