Australia fret over Finch's fitness ahead of second T20I

Doubtful starter
Australian captain Aaron Finch in action in the opening T20I. Photo: AFP

Australia strengthened their spin bowling by bringing in Nathan Lyon on Saturday but continue to fret over the availability of captain Aaron Finch in the two remaining Twenty20 Internationals against India.

Off-spinner Lyon replaced all-rounder Cameron Green, who has been released from the squad to play for Australia 'A', according to a Cricket Australia website.

Lyon has not played a T20I since a 2018 match against Pakistan in Dubai.

The injury-plagued hosts will take a late call on Finch's fitness after the skipper suffered a hip injury while fielding in Friday's series-opening defeat in Canberra.

Australia have already lost the services of spinner Ashton Agar (calf) and opener David Warner (groin) through injuries while quick Pat Cummins has been rested.

Speculation is rife over who would lead Australia should Finch fail to regain his fitness.

In the mix will be former skipper Steve Smith, who is eligible to captain the side again, after having served out a two-year ban on any leadership role following a 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Australia and India arrived in Sydney on Saturday to play the two remaining Twenty20 matches on Sunday and Tuesday.

The teams will also play a four-Test series beginning in Adelaide on December 17.

The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Onmanorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.