Aaron Finch, Ricky Ponting, Australia vs India 2018
Aaron Finch (Credits - Getty Images)

Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has confirmed the team has no plans to move Aaron Finch down the batting order for the upcoming Test series against India. However, it will be interesting to note whether Aaron Finch will open with Usman Khawaja or not in the first Test at Adelaide.

Finch made his Test debut against Pakistan in UAE last month. He played some impressive knocks by scoring 62, 49, 39 and 31 as an opener.

Moreover, Tim Paine feels Aaron Finch deserves to play as an opener. He entered into the Test side on the back of his tempting form in the limited-overs format. Recently he also improved in the red-ball version at domestic level.

“I think Finchy deserves that spot,” Paine told cricket.com.au. “He got picked on weight of runs in all formats of the game and in Dubai he was our best batsman, apart from Usman.

Australia vs India 2018: Aaron Finch Will Stay at Opening Position - Tim Paine
Getty Images

“I think he’s earned the right to open the batting. But going forward, who knows? We know Aaron can bat anywhere from one to six so that’s a real positive for us and for him.”

Meanwhile, former Australian coach Darren Lehmann had seen the best of Finch in white ball format. He had said last week that he would prefer to see Aaron Finch down the order in Test cricket.

Khawaja also revealed he was recovering from the knee injury. He also added he would prefer to bat as an opener or at number three for the India series.

Read More  Shaheen Afridi's stint over, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan recommended for Pakistan captaincy by new selection committee
Australia vs India 2018: Aaron Finch Will Stay at Opening Position - Tim Paine
Getty Images

“I’ve spoken to Usman and he’s not fussed where he bats,” Paine said. “I think his absolute preference if he was pushed on it would be to bat at three, but he’s happy to bat wherever the team needs him.

Furthermore, Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns could get a recall if the pair can put up a good show in the upcoming rounds of the JLT Sheffield Shield. Australia will play three T20Is, four Tests and three ODIs against India.