David Warner To Open For Australia In T20 World Cup 2021 - Aaron Finch
Published - 05 Oct 2021, 07:16 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:57 AM
Australia limited-overs captain Aaron Finch has indicated that he will continue his opening batting partnership with left-hander David Warner in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021, which kicks off in UAE and Oman from October 17.
Form and injuries have continued to haunt Australia’s buildup for the tournament, as the T20 World Cup trophy remains the only one which they haven’t won yet. Warner has 195 runs at 24 and a strike rate of 108 this IPL season and was dropped by the struggling Sunrisers Hyderabad in the UAE-leg of IPL. Meanwhile, Finch played with an injury in the West Indies and missed the entire Bangladesh series.
“I think you would expect to see Davey [David Warner] and I open the batting in the World Cup. It is something that has worked for us for a long time now,” Finch told Sportstar while mentioning he is feeling “very good” since undergoing knee surgery.
People Should Read Too Much Into How Australia Played Against Spin In West Indies And Bangladesh: Aaron Finch
Apart from Warner and Finch, other Australian superstars have been doing decently well in the Indian Premier League. Glenn Maxwell has reeled off three half-centuries in a row for third-placed Royal Chargers Bangalore (RCB). Steve Smith, on the other hand, has not gotten much game time with Delhi Capitals.
Finch has reiterated his confidence in Smith while adding that there will probably be a few floaters in the batting order.
“Smith is the best batsman in the world. I have no doubt he is the best possible option to fulfil the anchor role. Guys like Stoinis and [Matthew] Wade are high-quality cricketers that can fill any role in the Australian order. All our players are adaptable enough to bat in the middle order, and I think you will see whoever is called upon in the World T20 do a terrific job,” Finch said.
Australia has lost their last five T20I series which included a very poor performance against Bangladesh, where they were bowled out for 62 in the fifth T20I, its lowest ever in the format. Australian men’s side hasn’t made a T20 World Cup semifinal since 2012.
“I don’t think people should read too much into the playing against spin in West Indies and Bangladesh,” Finch said. “I think we have picked a team that can win the T20 World Cup. We have the utmost faith in every single player picked. No doubt, they will be able to help us win. The bowlers we have picked are world-class, so I am looking forward to seeing what they do on the big stage,” Finch said.
Australia will face South Africa on October 23 in Abu Dhabi in their first match of the T20 World Cup 2021.
