PAK vs AUS 2018: Ricky Ponting wants Aaron Finch to open the batting during Tests

The 2-Test series starts on October 7.

Ricky Ponting thinks Aaron Finch should open the batting in UAE  | Getty

Former Captain Ricky Ponting has said that right-hand explosive batsman Aaron Finch should open the batting for Australia during Tests against Pakistan on their upcoming tour of United Arab Emirates. 

Finch, who has been rewarded for his outstanding performances for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield, has also been picked specifically with his prowess against spin bowling in mind. 

Finch is regarded as one of the better players of quality spin bowling in Australia and the Tim Paine led side is expected to come across turning pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This is why, Ponting who knows Pakistan will introduce spin early, wants Finch to ensure his team gets off to a good start. 

"Although his (Finch’s) red-ball numbers aren’t outstanding, he has been in really good form in other formats of the game all around the world for the last few years," Ponting was quoted saying on Cricket.com.au, "The conditions in that part of the world in the UAE, I don't think the new ball should do too much. It will probably be more like starting an innings against the white ball, which Finchy is very very good at."

Ponting also talked about the likely team composition and while he expects Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland to be the two specialist spinners, Australia's greatest ever captain thinks comeback man Peter Siddle should partner Mitchell Starc with the new ball in the dry conditions that are expected. 

He said, "One thing you know about Siddle is that he’s not going to give too many easy runs away, With guys like Mitch Starc and Mitchell Marsh, those guys are probably more likely to leak runs on a consistent basis as they are wicket taking bowlers." adding, "If you’ve got Siddle operating with Nathan Lyon you can guarantee that things will dry up pretty quickly."

While the first Test begins from October 7 in Dubai, the series finishes off with the second game in Abu Dhabi starting October 16. 

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 18 Sep, 2018

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