Internet Desk: Cricket Australia has added Peter Handscomb to the Australian squad that will take on India in a five match ODI series which starts from Sunday at Chennai. Handscomb has been included in the side as cover for injured opener Aaron Finch. Finch aggravated a calf injury at training in Chennai on Thursday and a scan has revealed he will need to sit out the early part of the five-match series to rest the injury. But despite initial fears it may have been serious enough to rule him out of the entire tour, the Victorian will remain with the squad with a view to him playing later in the series.
Handscomb was part of the test squad that recently played in the test series against Bangladesh. He has been asked to join the side and will be available for selection for Sunday’s series opener.
Finch had been rested from Australia’s warm-up match on Tuesday due to the right calf injury, which he first suffered playing for Surrey in England six weeks ago.
Having trained earlier in the week, the 30-year-old was initially expected to play in the series opener, but Thursday’s setback is likely to rule him out of the first three ODIs.
“Aaron re-aggravated his pre-existing calf injury during warm-up at training yesterday,” said Bupa Support Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.
“He has had a scan in Chennai and although we believe it is not a serious recurrence, he will not be available for the first few one-day matches here in India.
“He will remain with the squad whilst we assess the injury and establish his return to play timelines,” added Kountouris.