Last Updated on 3 years by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Contenders to replace Aaron Finch as Australia ODI opener | Who will replace Aaron Finch as Australia ODI opener?
Aaron Finch’s retirement from ODI cricket has not only opened up the captaincy debate, but also who will replace him at the top of the order. Despite Finch’s struggles at the backend of his career, his shoes are big ones to fill, having finished with 17 ODI centuries – the third-most ever for Australia behind Ricky Ponting (29), David Warner and Mark Waugh (both 18).
With the 2023 ODI World Cup just a year away, Australia will be aiming to lock down the opener slot, starting with three matches against England after the 2022 T20 World Cup. As a result, there may be a desire to see immediate returns, while an eye to the future perhaps for after the showpiece tournament in India next year.
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Who will be the next ODI opener for Australia?
With that being said, here are the some contenders to replace Aaron Finch and partner David Warner as Australia ODI opener.
Travis Head
The South Australia captain is arguably the favourite to replace Finch. Head has a strong record as ODI opener, with seven 50+ scores in 15 innings at an overall average of 45.53 and strike rate of 104.92. Also, earlier in 2022, Head smashed 190 runs in three ODIs in Pakistan at a strike rate of 132.87.
Head’s attacking mindset upfront might sway the selectors to go with the left-hander. Such an approach can prove crucial in India next year, where conditions may be best when the two new balls are hardest.
Ben McDermott
McDermott struck a century in the same series against Pakistan. The right-hander looked comfortable for the most part against spin, after getting settled against seam up top.
Also, the Tasmania batsman made a strong start to the 2022/23 Marsh Cup, where he struck two half-centuries in the first two matches. His technique and ability to shift gears makes him difficult to ignore from a selectors’ perspective.
Josh Philippe
Josh Philippe has put himself on the selectors’ radar with a century early in the 2022/23 Marsh Cup. Also, his BBL exploits in recent years has put him among the best prospects in Australian white-ball cricket.
However, Philippe’s relatively slow start to his international career, particularly on slow wickets, makes him a candidate the selectors may look at after the 2023 World Cup. But, if he continues to perform well domestically, the think tank may be tempted to give him a chance to prove his worth in Australian colours before the big tournament in India.
Other strong contenders include Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne. It will be interesting to see if the selectors go with an option that can serve them well for the next 12 months, or with more of an eye to the future.
ALSO READ: Who will be the next Australia ODI captain? 5 leading candidates
