We did well to track down the total: Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch was indeed very much a part of the Australia side that clinched a win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. While Mitchell Starc was a clear hero in the match, it was clear that the Aussies would have certainly found it supremely difficult if not for the fighting knocks of Aaron Finch and skipper Steve Smith.

Speaking at the end of the close encounter, Finch confessed that it was indeed difficult to play on a wicket that spun as much and turned as much against a quality spin attack. “I don’t think I’ve ever played on a wicket that has spun that much. It was a pretty poor wicket,” he said. “I have never seen a wicket that spun so much in an ODI.

While batting, the Aussies lost key wickets at key intervals, something that they had to overcome to secure the win. Finch also went on to add that he was indeed proud of the Aussies who did eventually track down the total of 227. “We did well to track down that total. They’ve got plenty of options and we played exceptionally well to get the team across the line. We made the call to take on the new ball. I think in the subcontinent that’s the way to play. It was nice to help the team get off to a flier.”

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Finch also added that the wicket indeed a shambolic one. “To get to 227 was fantastic,” he said. “You saw how much the ball was spinning. There are always a few facets that we can brush up a little. The boys are going to take a lot of confidence from that performance. Just to get the feeling that we can do well in these extreme conditions that will give us a lot of confidence going forward.”

Speaking about Mitchell Starc and his 100th ODI wicket, Finch added that it was indeed a magnificent achievement. “It’s a fantastic achievement for him,” gushed Finch. “He has been No. 1 for a number of years now. When he gets it right, there’s no one better around. The skills that he has with swing, pace, left-arm angle, the yorkers, he’s a pretty complete package.”

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