New Delhi:
Desperately looking for their first win in the ongoing ODI series, the Australian team is hoping their star batsman Aaron Finch to get fit for the third match against India. It will be a do or die match for the Kangaroos to keep the series against the ‘Men in Blue’ alive.
Finch hasn’t played a single match in the ongoing ODI series as he injured his right calf muscle while playing for Surrey in August.
Hilton Cartright, 25, made his debut as an opener in Finch’s absence but couldn’t perform well in the first two ODIs. Jasprit Bumrah bowled him out in the first ODI and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the second one.
The bad news for the Aussies is not over yet as their most-dependable, David Warner is also out of form and not scoring runs. He had already made it clear that if they want to do well against India’s spinning attack, they need their top order to be aggressive.
However, to Australia’s relief, Finch hit the nets on Saturday and also looked smooth while running during the morning practice session.
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While speaking to reporters, Warner said “I think you know what he will bring. He is a very good player and he has played a lot of cricket for us in the past couple of years.”
“He brings a lot of aggression at the top of the batting order. It was good to see him practising hard and hopefully he will be fit for the game tomorrow,” he added.
Finch has represented Australia in 82 ODIs and has played for six IPL franchises. He has plenty of experience of playing in Indian conditions and countering spinners.
Warner also came out in defence of young Cartright. “It is challenging for a young guy to take the bull by the horns. It is very difficult when you play on the world stage against the best ODI teams, it can get overwhelming,” Warner said.
“He brings a lot of energy. He is a workaholic and brings in a lot of knowledge to the game,” he signed off.
(With PTI inputs)
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