Sheffield Shield 2019-20: Aaron Finch suffers a blow to his head; Victoria name Travis Dean as concussion substitute

What's the story?

Aaron Finch will miss the rest of Victoria’s Sheffield Shield contest against New South Wales after taking a severe blow to his head while fielding at the short-leg position. Victoria have named Travis Dean as his concussion substitute.

The background

Victoria hosted New South Wales in a group match of the Sheffield Shield at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The visitors batted first and half-centuries from Nick Larkin, Sean Abbott and Peter Nevill guided them to a respectable total of 294. James Pattinson and Peter Siddle took three wickets each for Victoria.

The heart of the matter

Update on Aaron Finch #VICvNSW #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/394Nc8ARXG

— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) November 30, 2019

Australia’s limited-overs captain, Aaron Finch sustained a head injury during the first session of day two. Steve O’Keefe flicked a delivery from James Pattinson towards the leg side but the ball struck Finch, who was stationed at short leg, squarely on the helmet.

Finch continued fielding in the first innings but delayed concussion symptoms forced Victoria to withdraw him from the game during the lunch break.

Also see - IND vs WI schedule 2019

What’s next?

Travis Dean, who has been called up as a concussion substitute, was playing for his Premier Cricket side Footscray, and will link up with the Victorian team tomorrow.

Despite Finch's absence, Victoria find themselves in a strong position, with the trio of Nic Maddinson, Will Pucovski and Peter Handscomb having reduced the deficit to 89 runs. The home side still have 8 wickets in hand and will fancy their chances of pulling off a victory.

You can follow the live action of the match between Victoria and New South Wales here.