Australia variety

Shane Watson to captain Australia against India in third Twenty20 at the MCG

Shane Watson will captain Australia in the third Twenty20 international against India at the SCG on Sunday.

Watson will take on the Twenty20 captaincy in the wake of Aaron Finch’s hamstring injury, which he picked up during Australia’s 27-run loss to India at the MCG on Friday.

“It is an honour to be asked to lead the side on Sunday, although the circumstances are far from ideal,” Watson said in a Cricket Australia statement.

“We may have lost the series but there is a great deal to play for with the ICC World Twenty20 coming up and you can be sure we will be determined to do well in Sydney.”

Usman Khawaja has received a call-up for the dead-rubber contest, following his excellent Test and Big Bash League form, to replace Finch at the top of the order.

India sealed the three-match series with the MCG win, leading 2-0 ahead of the SCG clash.