Australia has been on a roll in ODI’s, and their 17 matches unbeaten streak at home is just an instance of their ferocious gameplay at home. Against India in the first two ODIs at Perth and Brisbane, the Aussies chased down totals in excess of 300 with sheer ease. Riding on the solid start provided by Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh at the top of the order, the hosts strolled through to their target of 309.
Post the second ODI, opener Aaron Finch said that the current Australian batting lineup was capable of chasing any total. “We have always had confidence that we can chase down any total. Compared to our bowling line-up, our batting is quite experienced. We have guys who have played here as a team for quite some time now. I think when you look at a chase of 309, you still have to bat unbelievably well,” said Finch.
“But at the Gabba, the ground is so big that it is not such a power game. So you have to adapt your game slightly and make it a running game. You have to still pick up a boundary at the same time but have to be creative in how you chase it. We do back ourselves,” he added, about the dimensions at the Gabba.
Speaking about the all-important World T20 to follow, in which he will lead Australia, Finch said, “Everyone is out to impress with the World T20 coming up and you have some names in mind. I am sure there will be different guys in the T20s to push their claim forward and make it a difficult job for the selectors. There is a huge desire for everyone to be part of that squad that goes to India and have the opportunity to win a world title.”
“It has been a title that has eluded Australia for a long time now and everyone in the group are desperate to play well over there. It just comes down to getting it right on the day and we know T20 is a game that one guy, one over, here or there can be the difference in the game. Guys in Big Bash are still pressing with their skills,” Finch concluded.