Published: Sep 04, 2013, 04:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 04, 2013, 04:32 PM (IST)
Aaron Finch celebrates after completing his century against Scotland in the one-off ODI game © AFP
Sep 4, 2013
Australia batsman Aaron Finch reckons that trusting his instincts and playing his natural game has helped him notch up two big scores ahead of the five-match One-Day International series against England, which begins on Friday.
Finch got his name registered in the record books when he smashed a stunning 63-ball 156 against England in the first Twenty20 International, and followed up his good run with a fluent 148 off 116 balls against Scotland in their one-off ODI on Tuesday.
Finch, who bounced back after a dismal show in ODIs against Sri Lanka and the West Indies at home, told Sydney Morning Herald, “The last time I played for Australia I probably tried to bat a little more how I thought I should be batting rather than backing my game and backing what got me picked in the first place.”
“I’m mindful this time to play my natural game and play with instinct and not be afraid of the outcomes. Now and then you tend to look too far ahead and worry about the outcomes rather than the process and I’m confident now the process I’ve got can work for a long period of time,” he said.
Finch, who was drafted in the Australian limited-overs squad in place of the out-of-form David Warner, says he wants to make the most of the opportunity.
“I hope so. But a five-game series is a long series against England. Hopefully I can get another couple of big scores and we’ll see how we go. I feel really good at the moment. I feel like I’m striking the ball well, like I’m mentally pretty clear and that’s a real bonus for me,” Finch added.
Australia captain Michael Clarke, who will play all five ODIs against England, said Finch is making most of the change in style.
“It’s a really positive sign, not only for Aaron but for the team. Hopefully this is just the start,” Clarke said.
