AUS v IND 2018-19: Ricky Ponting's advice worked for Aaron Finch

Ricky Ponting's crucial advice helped Aaron Finch to overcome his battle against Indian attack.

Ponting and Finch during net session | Getty Images

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting’ crucial advice did magic for the struggling Aaron Finch, as the opener finally managed to get back his form with the willow in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth on December 14 (Friday) after a poor outing in Adelaide against India.

Finch received some precious tips from Ponting during Australia’s training session ahead of the second Test that really worked for the batsman, as he attained the 50-run mark in his second home Test in Perth after scoring 0 and 11 in the first Test of the four-match Test Series Down Under.

Ponting, former Australian skipper, who also himself struggled against a young Ishant Sharma in 2008, understood what Finch was going through, suggesting the right-hander to cover his off-stump and align himself better while playing the inswinging delivery.

Finch told ESPNCricinfo about Ponting’s advice after Day 1 play in Perth, “It was basically around covering my off stump and lining up slightly different my alignment, where I want to hit the ball, with the ball swinging back in obviously.”

The 32-year-old continued, “Ishant troubled him a little bit at the start of his career in Australia, troubled Punter (Ponting), moving the ball back in I think, so it was good to have someone to chat to who’s had to work through that and alignment and things like that. It wasn’t anything I went out in the game with as such, it was more just moving my guard slightly further over.”

Meanwhile, Ponting said that he is little uncomfortable helping players, but if the players are up for it then he certainly will give advice to the players if he can.

Ponting said on Channel Seven during the lunch break, “I spoke with Justin (Langer) after the game in Adelaide and he invited me down yesterday. I must admit I’m always a little uncomfortable doing it, but as long as the players are open to it and I can go and feel like I can help out I certainly will.”

(With ESPNCricinfo/Channel Seven Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 15 Dec, 2018

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