With the T20 World Cup 2022 around the corner, India and Australia are set to face each other in a three-match T20I series, starting September 20 in Mohali.
The series will help both teams to fine-tune their preparations for the showpiece ICC tournament, scheduled to be held in Australia from October 16 to November 13.
Ahead of the series opener, Finch addressed a virtual press conference where he spoke about his own form, Virat Kohli slamming his much-awaited 71st international ton, among other things.
During the recently held Asia Cup 2022, Kohli ended his century drought as he smashed 122 not out off 61 balls in India’s Super-4 clash against Afghanistan in Dubai. It was his first hundred in international cricket after almost three years.
"You'd be a very very brave man to write off Virat at any stage. He has shown for 15 years now, that he is one of the greatest players of all time. Particularly in T20 cricket, he is someone who has developed his game and grown his game over for such a long period. You are always trying to prepare to the best of your ability when you are coming up against Virat," Finch told reporters on Sunday (September 18).
"He is super, 71 international hundreds, that is just ridiculous, isn't it," he added.
Earlier this month, Finch called time on his one-day international cricket career. He is struggling with his form lately.
When enquired about his form, Finch said: "I think over a long period of time, you get pretty comfortable with criticism and stuff like that. I feel in T20 cricket, my form has been really good over a period of time now. I think if you separate the ODI form with T20I form, then it is completely different. They are different formats of the game, we are just really excited to be here to play these three games."
The Australian captain also talked about veteran batter Steve Smith’s role in the T20I team heading into the World Cup.
"Yeah, he is free to play however he feels like, most likely he will bat at No.3 in this series with Mitchell Marsh being out. We know the quality Steve has got, he is one of the best players who has ever played the game over all formats."
"We know the skill he has got and the game sense and the tactical mouse he has got, we are very confident that regardless of what role he has to play within the structure of the squad, he can do that," he stated.
Big-hitter Tim David has earned his maiden call-up to the Australia team for the India tour and the T20 World Cup 2022.
However, Finch remained quiet on whether the visitors would hand a debut cap to Tim David in the first T20I against India.
"We haven't finalised the XI yet, we are going to wait till we see the wicket today at the ground. But Tim has been super impressive in T20 cricket over a long period of time now. He is someone who we know has got the power, he has shown that all over the world where he has played. The fact that he has come into the squad with such a great attitude, he has been outstanding. He is a very good all-round package with his ability to bowl few overs. We are excited on what he brings to the squad," said Finch.
(With NDTV inputs)
