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Injured Finch to miss 3rd T20; Khawaja to replace him

January 29, 2016 21:28 IST

Aaron Finch

IMAGE: Australia’s Aaron Finch leaves the field of play after being dismissed run out during the Twenty20 match against India. Photograph: Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images

Australia captain Aaron Finch will miss the third and final T20 International against India, in Sydney, on Sunday because of a left hamstring injury he suffered, on Friday, and he will be replaced in the squad by Usman Khawaja.

The National Selection Panel has made a recommendation to Cricket Australia for a captain for Sunday's match and a decision will be made at the earliest possible opportunity, a media release said.

Finch suffered the injury while scoring 74 in 48 balls in Australia's 27-run loss in the second T20 International at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

CA Sports Science and Sports Medicine Manager Alex Kountouris said: "Aaron suffered the injury to his left hamstring while batting and although it is too early to confirm the full extent of the issue, we do know that it will prevent him playing in Sydney on Sunday. We believe it is not a recurrence of a previous injury he suffered to the same hamstring.

"Aaron will remain in Melbourne to undergo scans and we will be in a position to announce in due course the expected length of time he will be sidelined."

Finch said: "It is hugely frustrating to suffer this injury. I am hoping it will not keep me out for a lengthy period of time, especially with an ICC World Twenty20 on the horizon, but I will be guided by the specialists."

Finch will be replaced in the squad by Queensland and Sydney Thunder batsman Khawaja who will arrive in Sydney on Saturday evening. 

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