T20 World Cup 2021: Aaron Finch confirms his availability for the warm-up game against India

Finch had undergone surgery in August to treat his right knee.

Australia and India will square off in the T20 World Cup warm-up match on October 20 | GettyAustralia skipper Aaron Finch has fully recovered from the knee surgery and he will be available for the T20 World Cup warm-up clash against India on October 20.

Finch underwent surgery in August to treat his right knee and there were uncertainties over his availability for Australia's two warm-up games against New Zealand (October 18) and India.

See Also: This Australia team by far the strongest we've put out so far, says David Warner

"Yeah, it is all good. I think it's nine weeks tomorrow, post-surgery, so everything has come along really well. It is probably a couple of weeks ahead of schedule," Finch said at the pre-tournament virtual media interaction on Thursday (October 14).

"Originally it was probably touch and go to be available for the two warm up games, but at the moment it is looking like there will be no problems, so looking forward to getting out and getting back into it," he added.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) may have dropped the struggling David Warner in the second half of IPL 2021, but Finch feels that the southpaw would be ready to go at the T20 World Cup.

"I think over the years, we have seen when he (Warner) is got to bat against the world (teams), he is far (better player). I have got no issues with the preparation that he has had," said Finch.

"We have seen him in great spirits, he is coming here with a great attitude and he is organising things behind the scenes, he is doing everything that he loves to do, I have got no issues that come game one he will be ready to go."

The Australian players haven’t been preparing together leading up to the T20 World Cup due to several reasons, including COVID-19 lockdown in their country but Finch is confident of doing well in the marquee event.

"It is the one that has eluded us. We have been close a couple of times but we have also been quite a distance off in other times. We are still very confident going into (the World Cup).

"We have got a group that have played a lot of T20, not a huge amount together, guys are at different stages of preparation and getting back to playing. It comes down to getting it done on the day," he said.

"Every team can win any game, we know that in T20 cricket, there are match winners right across the board, so we just have to urn up and get it done at the right time."

When enquired about Steve Smith’s batting position at the T20 World Cup, Finch said, "Similar to Maxi (Glenn Maxwell). He (Smith) is someone who can be really adaptable through that middle overs. He provides us with a lot of options and a lot of flexibility."

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 15 Oct, 2021

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