Finch: I had to grind a little bit

Australia batsman Aaron Finch admits that the half-century he scored in the World Cup semi-final win against India was not his best but is thankful to Steve Smith who kept the innings moving forward.
After the early loss of his opening partner David Warner, Finch and Smith then combined to put on 182 for the second wicket which was the cornerstone of Australia's winning total of 328 for seven.
The 28 year-old Finch though was not his usual attacking self, instead he was struggling to time the ball and at one stage he could not get the ball past any fielders.
Luckily for Finch, and the Aussies, Smith was at his fluent best. He hit the ball crisply from the moment he walked in to bat and naturally was the aggressor in the partnership.
The right-handed Finch, who has been under-pressure to score runs, went on to make 81 from 116 balls, and he played a vital part when he just kept Smith company as he was going on his merry way.
Australia bowled India out for 233 inside 48 overs to win the match by 95 runs and book their spot in the World Cup final.
Finch said: "It wasn't my best innings, I had to grind a little bit but I was fortunate to have Steve Smith at the other end. He sort of kept that partnership flowing while I was trying to grind it out and get down the other end.
"I felt like I was hitting it nicely in the nets for the last couple of weeks so I wasn't overly worried about my form. It was just a case of getting in and getting through the initial new ball."
Finch is now looking forward to Sunday's World Cup final at the MCG, which is his home-grown and is expected to be at 100 000 capacity.
He said: "It's a place I love playing. I've played a lot of cricket there now and it's a pretty special place. When it's packed out, 100 000 people, it's going to be amazing. Not a better place to be."
Latest
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
News
Jofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
News
England bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
News
Paul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
-
News
Paul Collingwood ‘desperate to help out’ new England coaches, says Rob Key
Australia’s Matthew Mott has been appointed to lead the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum the new man in charge of the Test side.