ICC World Cup 2019 | David Warner was 'very close' to his best against England, says Aaron Finch
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Aussie skipper Aaron Finch has been of the opinion that David Warner was very close to his best against England as the Kangaroos defeated the Three Lions by 64 runs. The Aussie skipper heaped praise on the explosive opener, who became the first batsman in this World Cup to score 500 runs.
Australia, on Tuesday, became the first team to seal a spot in the semi-finals of the 2019 Cricket World Cup as skipper Aaron Finch led from the front blasting a match-winning knock of 100. This was Finch's second hundred of the tournament, following his 153 against Sri Lanka at The Oval. After being put into bat, Finch and Warner stitched up an opening partnership of 123, causing significant damage to the English attack.
Finch was delighted with his own form and Australia's qualification in the semis and stated that his side would look to keep going in the same direction. Finch also acknowledged the danger and threat possessed by the English batting and singled out Ben Stokes, who struck a brilliant 89 yesterday.Â
"Very happy. Can't win the tournament if you don't make the semis so that is a first part ticked off which is a nice feeling. Have played some good cricket so far, touch wood, we will keep going in the same direction. England are a standout side. They can take you apart with the ball and with the bat. Stokesy, when he gets in, can be brutal on an attack", said Finch in the post-match presentation, reported ESPNCricinfo.
Finch was also full of praise for his bowlers. Prior to the match, Australia had taken a brave call drafting Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Lyon into the side in place of Nathan Coulter-Nile and Adam Zampa. The decision paid dividends for the Kangaroos as Behrendorff ripped through the English batting line-up, picking his maiden five-wicket haul. Lyon showed great control as well, as he ended the day with an economy of 4.78.
"It was nice that we keep finding ways to take wickets. Behrendorff bowled beautifully. Was still a toss-up with Pat Cummins doing well with the new ball too. But when you've got a guy who can swing the ball back into a couple of right-handers early on, you use his best asset. And he didn't disappoint today. He was outstanding. Nathan Lyon was brilliant today, he didn't get the rewards but he was outstanding", said Finch.
Despite notching up the runs, David Warner's uncharacteristically low strike rate has been the talking point for Australia in this World Cup, although Finch was quick to defend his opening partner, saying that the pitches so far, in the tournament have demanded respect.
"People are saying it's not the Warner of old, comes out bashes and thrashes, but I think there have been some wickets in this tournament where bowling demands a bit more respect. We try to sum up the conditions quickly. Today, he was very close to his best, he was disappointed when he got out. He was starting to get on top but that happens in One Day cricket," added Finch.
