Ind vs Aus 2020: Aaron Finch Hints At Josh Hazlewood's Inclusion For Rajkot ODI

Australian captain Aaron Finch has given a hint that Josh Hazlewood might be included in the playing XI in place of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins to manage the workload of the pacers. Hazlewood had missed the first ODI at Wankhede and Kane Richardson was given his chance in the final XI. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were the right on the money in the first ODI on Tuesday as they had scalped three and two wickets respectively.

Australia had convincingly won the first ODI by 10 wickets as they had thwarted India. Consequently, it would be a surprise if the visitors make any change to their final XI. The tourists were able to tick the right boxes and would like to continue their domination.

Australia would look to seal the series.

On the other hand, Australia pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have played consistently in the home season. Thus, Finch believes it is imperative to rotate the fast bowlers who have bowled their hearts out.

“The bowling line-up will obviously be discussed with Josh (Hazlewood) on the sidelines. With back-to-back games and pretty quick and a reasonably heavy Test load, I’m sure Josh will come in for one of them (Cummins or Starc) at some point.

“(But) Unless it’s a forced change with a niggle or injury, I don’t think it would be much,” he was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au after the win in Mumbai.

On the other hand, Aaron Finch was full of praise for his opening partner, David Warner. The left-hander had smashed 128 runs off 112 balls with the help of 17 fours and three sixes. Thus, Warner was awarded the Man of the Match.

“He (Warner) is playing unbelievably well I think. It’s so hard to bowl to him once he gets in. He hits the ball all around the ground, so stopping him from scoring is so hard.

“He is so clear with how he is going to bat, his footwork is pretty good. His mental state is unbelievable when he is out in the middle. He is so clear with his thoughts and his game. He is in top shape.”

The Australian captain expects India to make a roaring comeback as they have been put under the pressure. It will be a do or die match for the Indian team to stay alive in the three-match ODI series.

“That was a pretty good performance. I think our fielding was a little bit sloppy but all in all we ar really happy with how the boys went.”

“They (India) will fight back no doubt. They are a great side, got some world-class players,” Finch said.

The second ODI will take place at Rajkot on 17th January.