Darren Lehmann backs Aaron Finch to be in the Test side for Pakistan series

The Baggy Greens are scheduled to tour UAE for the two-match Test series against Pakistan. This is going to be Australia’s first assignment since the South Africa debacle. Life without the trio i.e. Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft won’t be easy. Hence, they’re looking at new options to fill the gap in their batting lineup.

Aaron Finch’s name has been doing rounds for a while. The Aussie opener has played in 93 One Day Internationals without featuring in a single Test match. However, former Australian coach Darren Lehmann has backed Finch in the longer format. He felt that Finch would be knocking doors to the Test side ahead of the Pakistan series.

He really has a good chance

While Finch doesn’t boast of a great first class record, it isn’t bad at all. Also with his attacking attitude, Lehmann felt that the 31-year-old is capable of taking on the spinners at the subcontinent. The former Aussie coach added that he was always on the brink of being selected for the Test level if not for his inconsistency.

“He can play Test cricket, there’s no doubt about that,” Lehmann was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “He’s confident in the way he plays spin bowling, he can take the attack on, and leading into this Pakistan series he’s a really good chance to be selected for that one. His last couple of Shield years have been pretty good. If you take a look at his numbers, they’re right up there.,” he added.

I’d open with Finch in the subcontinent

Lehmann stated that if it came to playing in Asia, he would prefer opening the innings with Aaron Finch. Australia are already missing its mettle at the top order with the absence of David Warner. Hence, it makes sense to consider the move. However, when it comes to playing elsewhere, Lehmann felt the limited-overs opener would be better at the lower order.

“For example, if you’re playing in the subcontinent where the wickets don’t seam that much, I’d open with him. But if you’re playing in Australia, I’d bat him down the list. That’s the challenge Justin (Langer) and the selection panel have. But they’ve got to pick him first and work out where he bats,” the former Aussie coach concluded.

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