Australian skipper Aaron Finch has revealed that veteran batsman David Warner might have to take up wicket-keeping duties in the World Cup in the event of an injury to Matthew Wade, who will be behind the stumps after Josh Inglis’ injury ruled him out of the tournament.
Inglis, who made it into the side not too long ago, suffered a freak injury while playing a round of golf, ruling him out of the marquee tournament. Following Inglis’ injury, the Australian selectors decided to go with the in-form Cameron Green as his replacement, instead of another wicketkeeper.
Green has been extremely impressive in recent times, playing a few fabulous knocks at the top of the innings against India and West Indies. He was especially brilliant against India, playing two sublime innings at the top, as he raced to half-centuries at a blistering strike rate.
With his added abilities with the ball, his inclusion does not come as a surprise. However, the decision leaves Australia with just one wicketkeeping option in Wade, as opposed to if the selectors decided to go for another keeper, such as Hobart Hurricanes star Ben McDermott.
When asked about the wicketkeeping duties in the event of an injury to Wade, who has been in fabulous form leading up to the tournament, Finch suggested that it would be either himself or Warner who would have to don the keeping gloves. He added that Warner would be the more likely option as Finch also has the responsibility of leading the side.
Warner was seen in the practice grounds with the wicketkeeping gloves, and Finch said that he was impressed with his opening partner’s work behind the stumps.
“Probably, David Warner I would think, he did a little bit of practice yesterday. Myself, maybe captaining and keeping, when you haven’t done it before, it’s a little bit tougher. Maybe Mitchell Starc can bowl a few upfront, take the gloves in the middle and then bowl again in the end. But probably David, that’s a risk we are prepared to take at the moment,”
Finch said.
