Khawaja recalled for T20, Finch injured

Usman Khawaja was overlooked for Australia's ODI tour of New Zealand but the batsman is set to earn a call-up following Aaron Finch's hamstring injury.

Australian Test batsman Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja (pic) is set to be called up for Australia's ODI tour of NZ to replace Aaron Finch. (AAP)

Usman Khawaja is set to be called up for Australia's ODI tour of New Zealand, with Aaron Finch likely to miss the trip because of a hamstring injury.

Finch hobbled off the MCG in Friday night's Twenty20 clash, having been run out on 74 as Australia crashed to a 27-run defeat against India.

The extent of Finch's injury is yet to be determined but Khawaja has already been called in for Sunday's dead rubber at the SCG.

"It is hugely frustrating," Finch said.

"I am hoping it will not keep me out for a lengthy period of time ... but I will be guided by the specialists."

It appears highly unlikely he will face New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.

Khawaja recently joined the ODI squad when David Warner left the group on paternity leave.

The 29-year-old was initially overlooked for the three-match ODI series despite impressive Big Bash League form.

"Usman is very well placed to be able to play anywhere at the moment, wherever the opportunity arises," Shane Watson said of his Sydney Thunder teammate.

"Because he's batting incredibly well, as well as I've ever seen anyone bat."

Joe Burns, who played six ODIs in the United Kingdom last year, is another contender but his recent form isn't nearly as impressive as that of Khawaja.

Finch's injury means Australia will need to find a new skipper for Sunday's game.

Selectors will be hoping it is not a serious setback, with the T20 World Cup to start in seven weeks.

The opener was restricted towards the end of his innings then appeared to do some serious damage when he unsuccessfully scampered back for a second run in the 16th over.

"It is too early to confirm the full extent of the issue," the team's sports science manager Alex Kountouris said in a statement.

"We believe it is not a recurrence of a previous injury he suffered to the same hamstring.

"Aaron will remain in Melbourne to undergo scans."

Watson tipped it would mean at least a week on the sidelines for Finch.

"He's definitely done some form of damage," Watson said.

Finch, who underwent hamstring surgery in 2015, stormed off in a fit of rage after his dismissal.

It was unclear if his anger was directed at teammate Matthew Wade or the injury.

"Wade what the hell were you thinking? Surely he knew finch was struggling with his string," AFL superstar Luke Hodge, who like Finch hails from Colac, tweeted.


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Source: AAP



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