Australia captain Aaron Finch was left delighted after a 64-run victory over England in World Cup 2019 at Lord's on Tuesday (June 25) and he went about praising the individuals who made telling contributions in ensuring the team's sixth win of the tournament in seven games and sealing a place in the semi-finals.
Finch himself scored a magnificent ton (100) - his second of the competition - and had a 123-run opening stand with David Warner, who also continued his excellent form for a fine half-century (53) in Australia's strong first innings score of 285/7 in 50 overs.
Later, Jason Behrendorff (5/44) and Mitchell Starc (4/43) starred for Aussies with the ball and bundled out the hosts for only 221 in 44.4 overs.
"To be sent on a wicket that was moving around a bit and to get through the initial tough was crucial. Woakesy (Chris Woakes) got a hell of a spell and for him to get seven in a row upfront, we thought he'd quit after five, but he kept coming. To get through that and set a reasonable foundation with Davey (Warner) at the top of the order was nice," said Finch at the post-match presentation ceremony.
"It was nipping around, it was seaming. I think we played well to sort of rein it in and make sure we are as tight as it could be for that initial period and then tried to cash in on any width."
"People are saying it's not the Warner of old, who comes out bashes and thrashes, but I think there have been some wickets in this tournament where bowling demands a bit more respect. We try to sum up the conditions quickly."
"Today, he was very close to his best, he was disappointed when he got out. He was starting to get on top but that happens in One Day cricket. We're confident with what we've got," he added.
Finch, who earned "Player-of-the-Match" award for his wonderful hundred, also showered compliments on Starc and Behrendorff for delivering outstanding spells. They never allowed the three lions' explosive batting line-up to get going on the day.
"He (Behrendorff) bowled beautifully. When you have a guy who can bring the ball back into the right-handers it is a great asset to have and he did not disappoint. Everytime he was called upon, he bowled a long spell first up and then to keep coming back and pick up wickets was outstanding."
On his own contribution, Finch said, "Anytime you contribute to the team's win is critical. That is the most important thing. There are been quite a few hundreds which have come in losses, so it is nice to get one in a win."
"You can't win the tournament if you don't qualify for the semis, so that is the first part ticked off which is a really good feeling. We have played some good cricket so far and hopefully it will go the same way," he concluded.
(Inputs from CricketNext)
