Aaron Finch has been ruled out of the rest of Australia’s West Indies trip and the next Bangladesh series.
In the lead-up to the T20I series against the West Indies, Finch injured his right knee, which he exacerbated during the last match last Friday. Since then, he has been out of commission.
The goal for the Australia captain will be a quick recovery ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in October-November. He will return home for a 14-day quarantine before likely having surgery.
Finch expressed his disappointment at having to return home. “Rather than travelling to Bangladesh, not being able to play, and wasting that recuperation period, this was thought to be the wisest course of action. If surgery is needed, I will get it done and begin the rehabilitation process before the World Cup.”
According to a press statement from Cricket Australia, the national body’s medical experts and selectors are “optimistic” that he will recuperate in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Finch’s injury is a major setback for Australia ahead of the World Cup, and selectors will be hoping that their early optimism is justified. The experienced batsman is ranked third in the ICC T20I men’s batting rankings, with 2473 runs at 37.46 and the best score in the format (172).
To suggest he’s a crucial component in their hopes to win the men’s T20I World Cup for the first time is an understatement.
For the time being, the selectors must decide who will lead Australia in the five T20Is against Bangladesh.