Finch ruled out of 1st ODI vs West Indies; Carey to lead

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey will lead Australia in the first One-Day International (ODI) against West Indies in the absence of Aaron Finch, who has been ruled out due to a knee injury. 

Finch sustained the injury during the fifth T20 International (T20I) and his availability for the ODI series will be monitored on a 'day to day basis,' Cricket Australia said in a release.

The three-match ODI series is set to get underway on July 20 (Tuesday) at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet.

Carey is set to be Australia's 26th ODI captain, having previously led Adelaide Stikers, South Australia Redbacks and also Australia A. He takes over the mantle in the absence of regular vice-captain Pat Cummins, who has been rested for the tour.

"I am deeply honoured to be able to lead the team while Aaron recovers," Carey said. 

"To captain Australia is one of the greatest privileges in sport and an honour I am extremely thankful to receive."

"Finchy is our captain and we will welcome him back with open arms when he is fully fit, so for now I hope I can fill the role to his extremely high standards. To lead this group against the West Indies in the West Indies is a great challenge and one I very much look forward to for as long as I have the opportunity," he added.

Carey's leadership potential was recognised at an early age, although not in cricket.  A talented junior Australian Rules footballer, he was the first official skipper of the Australian Football League's newest team, the Greater Western Sydney Giants, albeit when they were still only part of Victoria's Under-18 competition.

Australia were crushed 4-1 in the T20I series with several key players missing from the squad. Carey will lead an inexperienced ODI team in which Josh Philippe, Ben McDermott and Riley Meredith are in the mix to make their debuts.

Carey has been a regular in Australia's ODI team since making his debut in 2018. He is the frontrunner to take over the gloves from Test skipper Tim Paine when he retires.

(With inputs from AFP)