Aaron Finch named Australia's T20 captain for Pakistan series

Image Courtesy: Reuters

Top order batsman Aaron Finch has been confirmed as Australia`s captain for the three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates later this month.

The captaincy completes a superb week for the aggressive right-hander, who is in line to make his Test debut against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday after coach Justin Langer said he was a certainty to play.

The 31-year-old Finch has previously captained the side in Twenty20 internationals but was replaced in 2016 as Australia consolidated Steve Smith`s leadership across all three formats. 

Smith is currently serving a 12-month suspension for his role in a ball-tampering scandal during a Test match against South Africa.

All-rounder Mitch Marsh and wicketkeeper Alex Carey will serve as Finch`s vice-captains.

"Aaron has already captained Australia in the recent T20s we played in Zimbabwe, and I`ve been extremely impressed with his impact on the Test squad over here in the UAE," Langer said in a statement on Friday.

"We know he`s an exceptional player, and he`s arguably the most in-form T20 player in the world at the moment."

Aggressive top-order batsman Chris Lynn has also returned to the side after recovering from a shoulder injury.

"Chris Lynn has responded well from his shoulder injury and was professional during his rehabilitation," Langer added.

"He`s had an outstanding campaign in (domestic one day cricket) to date and reminded us how explosive and powerful a cricketer he can be."

The first Twenty20 international is in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 24, with the second and third games in Dubai on Oct. 26 and 28.

Squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Darcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitch Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.