Australian white-ball skipper Aaron Finch has defended Steve Smith’s selection for the first T20I against Sri Lanka, saying that the squad has confidence in his abilities and the role he would be needed to play for the team.

Australia released the list of their playing XI ahead of the first T20I game in Colombo, of which, Steve Smith was a part. Josh Inglis, the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batter who has been in good form, was not included.

Praising his teammate, Finch said that Smith can come in handy and help them anchor the game if they end up losing wickets early on.

“The ability for Steve is to play that role where if we lose a couple of wickets in the powerplay then he comes in and plays that top-order role,” Finch said Australian publication WA.

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Adding on, he said, “But if we get outside the powerplay then Maxy will go in at No. 4 and Smithy will slot into that middle order.”

Speaking further about Smith's skills and what role he plays for the team, Finch said, “He’s someone who can read the game as well as anyone and is as skilled as anyone in the world, so just giving him the freedom to go out there, take the game on and play what’s in front of him is super important. We’ve got all the confidence he can play that role unbelievably well.”

Australia will play three Twenty20I, five ODIs, and two Test matches during their seven-week tour to Sri Lanka.

(WA Today inputs)