Aaron Finch gets hit on the finger at nets ahead of 1st Test

The run-up to the first Test between Australia and India in Adelaide has been an anxious one for both sides, especially when it comes to the openers. While India suffered a blow last week as their sensational opening batsman Prithvi Shaw was ruled out of the Test because of an ankle injury sustained in the practice game, now the hosts had a close shave. Aaron Finch, who is also playing in his second series like Shaw, was hit on his finger by a bouncer from pacer Mitchell Starc at the nets on Tuesday.

Finch’s injury though was not as serious as that of Shaw. The 32-year-old right-hand batsman was treated for it immediately and he was back in the practice, giving enough hint that he is in for the top clash starting December 6. The first game holds immense significance for both the sides as whoever wins it will take a long stride towards dominating the high-pressure series.

Who to assist Finch as the opener – Khawaja or Harris?

The Australians are burning a lot of midnight oil to decide their final opening pair for the first Test. While Finch is a certainty his partner is still not in place. Two contenders for the other opener’s position are veteran Usman Khawaja and uncapped Marcus Harris, who plays with Finch for Victoria. Both the Australian limited-overs skipper and Harris hit a fifty each in their recent first-class match played against Queensland.

Finch made his debut in Australia’s previous series against Pakistan in the UAE and opened the innings with Khawaja. He scored a half-century in his debut innings though was not in form when he led India in the three-match T20I series recently. Khawaja, on the other hand, got injured during the series but made a fast recovery to get fit for the India series.

The hosts will take their final call on the playing XI for the first Test on the eve of the match. Former greats like Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden though have suggested Khawaja to bat at No.3, a place which he is more familiar with.

India are also in the middle of the openers’ puzzle though veterans Murali Vijay and KL Rahul look set to open the innings at Adelaide in the absence of Shaw.

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