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Australian captain Aaron Finch confirms he needs scan on leg injury, opening door for Steve Smith

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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VideoAussie coach Justin Langer was not happy India replaced Ravindra Jadeja with spinner Yuvendra Chahal.

Could we see Steve Smith captain Australia again?

The former skipper, banned for two years from a leadership role in the Aussie team following the infamous ball tampering scandal in Cape Town, looms as a controversial choice to replace Aaron Finch if the opener isn’t fit for Sunday’s match.

Finch confirmed he would head for scans today after injuring his leg in Friday night’s 11-run loss to India in the first T20 clash.

“A bit of a hip or a glute (buttock injury), I’m not sure at the moment,” Finch told Fox Cricket.

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“It got progressively worse throughout the game so I’m sure I’ll have a scan tomorrow and see how we go.”

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Finch joins star opener David Warner (groin) and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis (side) on the injured list, with Warner in a race against time to be fit for the opening Test match in Adelaide.

With vice-captain Pat Cummins rested ahead of the India Test series, just who will replace Finch was central to discussions post-match.

Aaron Finch leaves the field.
Camera IconAaron Finch leaves the field. Credit: LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

West Aussie cricket legend Adam Gilchrist was firmly against Smith getting the nod, pushing for Matthew Wade instead.

Gilchrist said given the fact Cummins is being rested, and not injured, could also mean he is brought back earlier than expected.

India, meantime, will be without Ravindra Jadeja for the remaining Twenty20 matches due a concussion sustained on Friday night.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed the allrounder had sustained a concussion “when hit on the left side of his forehead in the final over of India’s innings”.

Jadeja top-edged a bouncer into his helmet while batting in the final over of India’s innings, but did not receive an on-field assessment.

“Jadeja remains under observation and will be taken for further scans if required,” the BCCI statement said.

“He will not take any further part in the ongoing T20 series.”

Shardul Thakur will replace Jadeja.

The second T20 clash between Australia and India starts at 4.10pm WST at the SCG tomorrow.

The final game of the series will be played at the SCG on Tuesday.

With AAP

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