The new Australian top-order

With usual opening pair David Warner and Shane Watson not playing, the top order for Australia has a distinctly different feel ahead of the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka today. With Michael Clarke also being rested, the batting line up undoubtedly lacks experience, but not form. George Bailey confirmed yesterday that the three debutants would come in first, with Aaron Finch and Phillip Hughes set to open, and Usman Khawaja to bat at 3. 

Opener - Aaron Finch (26 years old)
Ryobi Cup 2012/13:  497 runs @ 99.40
List A: 1834 runs @ 41.68
An explosive batsman who has been in outstanding form this Australian summer in the Ryobi Cup and Big Bash competitions. He thoroughly deserves his chance.

Opener - Phillip Hughes (24 years old)
Ryobi Cup 2012/13: 323 runs @ 80.75
List A: 2446 runs @ 48.92
Originally deemed to be a Test specialist by the selectors, a mountain of runs in the English summer which then continued into the Australian summer has given him an opportunity.

No.3 - Usman Khawaja (26 years old)
Ryobi Cup 2012/13: 257 runs @ 51.40
List A: 1033 runs @ 39.73
Likewise to Hughes, Khawaja was also thought to be a Test  player only. However his form in the Ryobi Cup, and the resting of players has provided him with the opportunity to stake a claim for future tours.

These three batsmen are the top three leading run scorers in the Ryobi Cup so far this season and thoroughly deserve this chance in the ODI team. Despite key players like Clarke, Warner and Watson likely to return soon, any runs made by Finch, Hughes or Khawaja should give them a good chance to remain in the team and therefore stake a claim to play in the Champions Trophy later this year in England.