Australian captain Aaron Finch is confident that the Indian team will “fight back” in the second One Day International (ODI) starting Friday (January 17) in Rajkot after the 10-wicket thrashing in the series-opening match on Tuesday (January 14) in Mumbai.
However, the skipper admitted that Australia needs to improve its fielding as their fielding efforts were a little bit sloppy at the Wankhede stadium.
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As per reports in cricket.com.au, Finch said: “That was a pretty good performance. I think our fielding was a little bit sloppy but all in all, we are really happy with how the boys went. They (India) will fight back no doubt. They are a great side, got some world-class players.”
He also lauded his team’s bowling efforts in the first ODI while hinting at playing Josh Hazlewood in the second ODI in Rajkot by resting either Pat Cummins or Mitchell Starc to manage their workload.
The opening batsman added, “To be able to control such a damaging top-order with their lengths is brilliant. The ball just swung enough to keep them in the game all the time. They were so accurate which you have to be in these conditions.”
Finch continued, “The bowling line-up will obviously be discussed with Josh (Hazlewood) on the sidelines. With back-to-back games and pretty quick and a reasonably heavy Test load, I'm sure Josh will come in for one of them (Cummins or Starc) at some point. (But) Unless it's a forced change with a niggle or injury, I don't think it would be much.”
Meanwhile, the Aussie also believes that his opening partner David Warner, who scored 128* and shared a record opening stand with the skipper as well in the Mumbai ODI, is in top shape presently.
Finch signed off by saying, “Warner is playing unbelievably well I think. It's so hard to bowl to him once he gets in. He hits the ball all around the ground, so stopping him from scoring is so hard. He is so clear with how he is going to bat, his footwork is pretty good. His mental state is unbelievable when he is out in the middle. He is so clear with his thoughts and his game. He is in top shape.”
(With cricket.com.au Inputs)
