Finch to lead Australia T20 team against Sri Lanka

New Delhi: Opening batsman Aaron Finch has been appointed as the captain of Australia T20 side for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka in the absence of regular captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner.

The entire squad is expected to be announced on Febraury 1.

"It's very exciting to be back and leading the side in Steve's absence," said Finch, who has captained the national Twenty20 side on six previous occasions.

Warner, Finch and all Test regulars including Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Usman Khawaja will be rested for the T20 series to prepare for the four-match Test series against India later in February. 

"It's been a rollercoaster from being captain leading up to the ICC World Twenty20 (in 2016), being injured and then Steve taking over the reins for that tournament, but it's something that any time you get the chance to captain your country in any format, you're very chuffed about."

Finch led the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League and is confident of doing well for Australia. 

"There are some extraordinary players around the country that will now get an opportunity and I think that's only a good thing for Australian cricket," he said.

Australia find themselves in a precarious situation as they will play their first Test against India just a day after the last T20 against Sri Lanka.