Tim Paine named Australia captain for series against England
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 29: Captain Tim Paine and Usman Khawaja of Australia during the Australia national mens cricket team training session at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on March 29, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
(Photo: Getty Images)
Australia have confirmed their new captaincy duo to lead the team against England in a five-match ODI series this summer, with Tim Paine named captain and Aaron Finch to act as vice-captain.
Test team and ODI captain Paine has been entrusted with restoring the image of the national side by Cricket Australia in the wake of the 12-month bans handed to Steve Smith and David Warner for their part in the ball-tampering affair that smeared their tour of South Africa.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns confirmed 33-year-old Paine would only be captain for this series as Cricket Australia address issues ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
“Tim is a strong leader and will captain the side for the series, supported by Aaron,” Hohns said.
“A decision on a permanent one-day captain will be made in due course.”
Australia have been dealt a blow to their bowling attack as Mitchell Starc (leg) and Pat Cummins (back) are both ruled out.
Looking to redeem themselves from a 4-1 defeat in the ODI series that followed the Ashes, the series opens at the Oval on June 13, followed by matches hosted at Sophia Gardens, Trent Bridge, Chester-le-Street and Old Trafford.
The tour will conclude with a one-off T20 at Egbaston on June 27.
Australia’s ODI squad to play England:
Tim Paine (c), Aaron Finch (vc), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye.
Australia’s T20 squad to play England:
T20 squad: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth.