Aaron Finch strode into the Perth Test, hearing the sounds of critics sharpening their knives. He had scored 0 and 11 in the first Test in Adelaide and there were questions raised about his credentials as a player in the longer format.
The Australian opener, who is considered a natural in cricket’s abridged versions, partially quelled the butterflies in his stomach with a 50 against India here on Friday.
He was decisive in his stroke-selection and though he did play and miss, and had a few close calls for lbw, Finch along with Marcus Harris, laid a strong foundation for Australia.
READ| India vs Australia: Harris, Head fifties put Australia in charge
“When the ball starts seaming off good parts of the wicket and quite dramatically at times, that’s when you need to tighten up but you have to also be in a position to cash in on some balls that you can hit. You have to be really proactive,” Finch explained about his approach.
He shares a fine rapport with his fellow-opener Harris and lauded his partner: “He is a pretty chilled out character, who just goes with the flow. He covers his off stump, looks to hit down the ground and for such a short guy that can be quite unique. He has definitely got all the shots, and the way he adapts will hold him in great stead.”
The match is in the balance but Finch believed that his team is slightly ahead: “It’s going to be one of those games that will be a real grind for both sides. The position we are in we would have taken that at the start of the day, especially (after) winning the toss and batting.
"Our plan was to bat on this wicket regardless of what happened in Adelaide and the heat (here), and (about) getting miles into their (Indian bowlers) legs. It might play a factor later in this game.”
Comments
SHARE