IND vs AUS: Aaron Finch Reveals His Australian Playing XI For ICC World Cup 2023 Opener Against India

Former Australia skipper Aaron Finch has revealed his Pat Cummins-led team’s playing XI for their first match in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023. Aaron Finch backed young all-rounder Cameron Green ahead of Marcus Stoinis for the match against India in Chennai.

The Australian team will face the Rohit Sharma-led side in their World Cup 2023 opener at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, October 8th. Notably, the visitors had previously defeated the Men in Blue in Chennai earlier this year in an ODI match at the same venue.

One Of The All-Rounders Will Miss – Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch expressed concerns about the team’s extensive travel and busy schedule leading up to the tournament, worrying that it could lead to player burnout.

“I think one of the all-rounders will miss to be honest. I think (the team will) be (David) Warner and (Mitch) Marsh, (Steve) Smith, Marnus (Labuschagne), (Glenn) Maxwell, (Alex) Carey, Green, (Pat) Cummins, (Mitchell) Starc, Hazlewood, Zampa,” said Finch, as quoted CODE Sports.

“I think the preparation’s been OK. The thing that concerns me a little bit is probably how much they’ve played over the last little while and how much everyone’s been on the road. They’ve been pretty gruelling the last six weeks for them, or eight weeks. You’d hate for them to get to the end of the tournament and all be burnt out.”

Travis Head Doesn’t Really Need A Alot Of Preparation – Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch said that Travis Head‘s return will be crucial for the team in the second half of the World Cup. Finch acknowledged that Head could face challenges in regaining his form due to the hand injury and the limited practice time.

“I think it’s the halfway mark in the tournament. I think if he can’t make it past that, you probably don’t give yourself enough time to come in.”

“But he’s the kind of player that doesn’t really need a lot of preparation. I guess the only challenge is he’s going to find is the ability to hit any balls before that’s 100 per cent right. I think with a hand injury, his ability to be able to get up to speed quick enough will be the only talking point.”

Travis Head suffered an injury during the ODI series against South Africa last month. Despite being ruled out of a few matches, the left-handed batter was included in the 15-member squad. Mitchell Marsh will open the innings in his absence.

Also read: Aaron Finch Names Finalists Of ICC World Cup 2023, Leaves Out India And England