Finch backs cricket captaincy options

Opening batsman Aaron Finch is happy with whoever captains Australia in the cricket World Cup, saying all three potential candidates would do the job well.

As Michael Clarke continues his comeback from injury with a Cricket Australia XI game on Thursday, Finch said the issue had not affected the team in the lead-up to the tournament.

Coach Darren Lehmann said on Wednesday he was sick of speculation about who would lead the team – Clarke, his one-day deputy George Bailey or even stand-in Test captain Steve Smith.

“I don’t think it makes much difference to the players – we’ve played under them all,” said Finch.

“Michael has done an unbelievable job for a long time and so has George in one-day cricket.

“Steve is just starting out in his captaincy career – I suppose it’s important that we don’t let it distract us.

“From the players’ point of view, I don’t think it will.”

The World Cup squad had played under all three potential captains and knew their leadership styles.

“There’s not a hell of a lot of difference between them all … they’re all very chilled out, very good tactically,” Finch said.

“I don’t think that will make much of a difference.”

Finch also backed Bailey, who is struggling for batting form ahead of the Cup.

“George’s form hasn’t been great … (but) he’s a class player,” Finch said.

“George, as the captain of the side at the moment, is a crucial member.

“He’s been huge in winning games for Australia in the past.”

Finch had a playful dig at his one-day opening partner David Warner amid talk cricket bosses were about to crack down on bat sizes.

“You see some of the bats around the world at the moment, they’re enormous,” he said.

“For me personally, that doesn’t make any difference, I use pretty regulation … bats.

“The size that we’ve seen in the summer for Davey, it’s getting a bit ridiculous, isn’t it, if we’re honest.

“But at times he could use a toothpick and get them over the fence.”

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