ODI series poised for MCG opening

Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Clint McKay and Aaron Finch have all been included in the 13-man squad, with the latter expected to make his one-day international debut after his imperious form in white ball cricket this summer.

Opening the batting for the Bushrangers, Finch boasts a RYOBI One-Day Cup competition high of 497 runs at 99.4 and also leads the run-scorers’ in the KFC T20 Big Bash League with 309 at 77.25 skippering the Melbourne Renegades.

Having shone in his three Twenty20 Internationals thus far, averaging 104 at a strike rate of just under 150, the 26-year-old appears certain to secure a spot at the top of the order in the absence of regular openers David Warner, Shane Watson and Matthew Wade.

“Any time you go in with confidence is great. It’s good to be picked when you’re in form,” Finch said.

“I’m ready to go, I feel like I’m in really good form and hitting them well in the T20s, I just can’t wait.

“It was very exciting to get the call from (selection chairman) John (Inverarity). It’s something I’ve looked forward to for a long time, representing Australia.”

With Australia boasting a narrow 7-6 ledger over Sri Lanka from its 13 appearances at the MCG, there appears to be little separating the two sides.

The Sri Lankans will regain the services of ‘sling king’ Lasith Malinga, fresh off obliterating batsmen around the BBL for the Melbourne Stars, while the unconventional Ajantha Mendis is also poised to cause Australia headaches.

To celebrate the start of the series, Commonwealth Bank are offering a special ticket deal for fans for today only – buy two tickets to tomorrow night’s match having the same value (Adult, Concession or Junior), and get one match ticket of equivalent value free .

Basement Jaxx will also be performing a DJ set during the innings break of that match.

To pre-purchase tickets to tomorrow’s one-day international at the MCG, click here.