Cairns – Under-pressure Aaron Finch argued on Monday that he was still a “very good” player despite a terrible run with the bat, as Australia’s limited overs captain attempts to regain form this week against New Zealand.
The 35-year-old opener scored 15, 1, and 5 in Australia’s 2-1 ODI series victory over Zimbabwe last week, following two consecutive ducks in the final two games of their most recent series in Sri Lanka.
With the T20 World Cup taking place on home soil in October, his status is under increased scrutiny.
Finch has three matches against the best ODI team in the world, beginning on Tuesday in Cairns, Queensland, to stop the rot and silence the doubters.
“Being able to train consistently and continue fiddling with my game to get better is the most essential thing,” he told reporters. “It is what you are always striving to accomplish.”
“Obviously, my performances have not been up to par in terms of run production, but I still consider myself a competent player.
“I’m feeling fantastic… I hit the ball in the nets for a longer distance than I normally would the day before a game. Unfortunately, not having as much time in the middle nowadays necessitates extra training.”
Australia enters the series having been humiliated by Zimbabwe in Townsville on Saturday, losing by three wickets to give the world’s 13th-ranked side its first-ever victory against the country’s cricket powerhouse.
New Zealand, headed by Kane Williamson, will present an even more difficult test.
The Black Caps continue to be one of the best teams in the world in all three formats of cricket, according to Finch.
“They are always close battles whatever the format… they go the distance generally.”
Andrew McDonald, the head coach, has stated that he may alter the lineup.
Occasionally, the composition of our team will change from game to game to ensure that we’re covering all bases, he added.
New Zealand are in Cairns following a 2-1 ODI series victory against the West Indies last month, with Williamson predicting “a really challenging battle.”
“They are extremely clinical in their own backyard,” he said.
“So it’s terrific for us as a team to be playing in another Chappell–Hadlee tournament (series).
There are three one-day matches in a short period of time, but as a white-ball team, we have plenty to gain from this.