Australia vs India: Tim Paine names the opener for the Test series

A lot of buzz has been created with regards to the upcoming India tour of Australia. There’s no doubt that the hosts have been severely affected by the bans on key players David Warner and Steve Smith. The selectors roped in some new names for the recent Pakistan series which the Baggy Greens lost 1-0.

Aaron Finch finally got to display his valour as a batsman in the traditional form of the game. While he didn’t do anything extraordinary, the 31-year-old was decent enough. Australian skipper Tim Paine backed the right-hander to open ahead of the first Test against India in Adelaide. He also looked forward to Usman Khawaja recovering in time from his injury.

Finch earned the right to open the batting

In a tour where Australia managed to cross 300 just once, Aaron Finch was the second highest run scorer for the visitors. While the team was baffled with problems in the batting order, Finch scored 181 runs at an average of 45.25. Hence, skipper Paine had no second thoughts over the opening spot. He stated that while Finch could bat anywhere, he is going to open in all probability.

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

If Khawaja recovers in time for the first test, that’ll be a great result

The lone centurion for Australia in the tour, Usman Khawaja was magnificent throughout the Test series. Sadly he couldn’t last owing to a knee injury he sustained during the second Test. Paine remarked that there was no issue with regards to Khawaja’s batting position. Describing him as a valuable asset in the team, the captain expected his timely comeback.

“I’ve spoken to Usman and he’s not fussed where he bats. 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. So hopefully he can get that knee right. If we can get him on the park for the first Test that’ll be a great result, no matter where he’s batting.”

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