Aaron Finch, the dynamic Australian batsman, has been ruled out of the T20I tri-series opener against New Zealand at the SCG on Saturday (February 3), captain David Warner confirmed. The 31-year-old opener was in scintillating form to start the recent One-Day International series against England but missed the final two matches due to a hamstring injury. Despite the injury being considered as minor, a cautious approach from Australian officials is being taken with their veteran batsman.
"He (Finch) didn't feel like he was up," Warner told reporters in Sydney on Friday. "He went through some run throughs yesterday with the medical staff, he said he sort of felt it a little bit. We didn't want to risk him going into this tri-series with this first game. He's going to be on ice definitely."
Finch's absence means Big Bash League (BBL) bolter D'Arcy Short could open in his much anticipated international debut. Warner said Australia's final line-up was not confirmed with the SCG wicket covered on Friday due to inclement conditions in Sydney, which could mar the match with wet weather forecast to continue on Saturday.
Warner said Short or T20 superstar Chris Lynn were vying for the vacant opener's spot. "That was a tough chat we had the other day," he said. "When you pick these teams you've got guys in form but they're in the same positions as well which is always quite challenging.
"D'Arcy and Lynny lead by example in their own teams respectively," he added. "Come tomorrow it will probably be (Short or Lynn) opening with me depending on match-ups with the bowlers."
A lack of continuity has contributed to Australia's continual struggles in the format with the cricket powerhouse languishing at No.7 in the world rankings. Warner said Australia vowed to climb up the rankings with the next World T20 on home soil for the first time.
"We have to keep improving, we've said that about the last 12-24 months improving overall how we're playing in this format," he said. "The positive is that everyone is in form, the team that has been picked is in serious form. I couldn't be happier how we're travelling as a team heading into tomorrow's game."
Warner is the only member of Australia's Test squad to South Africa selected in the tri-series. Even though there will be no breather for him after an arduous summer, it is a golden opportunity for Warner to showcase his captaincy skills which received acclaim previously for leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad to Indian Premier League glory.
With regular skipper Steve Smith under the heavy strain of captaining his country across three formats, some have questioned whether Australia's brains trust need to ease his burden. If that was to occur, Warner would be in the box seat to become Australia's T20 captain.
"It's a great opportunity to lead a younger team," Warner said. "You need some form of experience around the young group. It's going to be tough and challenging when you play all three forms... but you are always going to give 100 per cent.I can't be happier how we have prepared," he added. "With the new fresh faces, it is exciting."