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World Cup favouritism sits fine with Finch

Roar Pro
11th January, 2015
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Aaron Finch says the tag of tournament favourite sits comfortably with the Australian side ahead of the World Cup.

Bookmakers have installed Australia as favourites to take out the tournament on home soil with South Africa, India then New Zealand next in betting.

“That sits well with us – I don’t think there’s any more pressure or any reason to fear playing with that tag,” Finch said.

“As soon as you fear failure your judgement gets clouded and you make poor decisions, but we’re going to go out there confident.

“We’re going to go out there and take the game on.”

Australia are deserving favourites having regained the No.1 spot on the ICC world rankings after completing a 4-1 ODI series win against South Africa in November.

However, Finch said such things will count for little in the heat of the action.
“I don’t think it means anything once you’re out there playing – world rankings go out the window,” he said.

“It’s about the team that executes on the day.

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“We’re a team that, if we play to our best, will go a long way toward winning the World Cup.

“When you look down our list we’ve got so many match winners in our side. We’ve got firepower with the ball and the bat and an unbelievable fielding team.”

Finch will resume his opening partnership with David Warner after being named in the 15-man squad that will take on England and India in a tri-series in preparation for the World Cup.

The 28-year-old hasn’t enjoyed great form with the bat for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League recently, but is still bullish about his prospects heading into the biggest tournament of his career.

“I know I haven’t made many runs in the Big Bash, but I think I’m still hitting them well,” he said.

“I’m still very confident going into this ODI series and then on to the World Cup.

“Every now and then you just need something to go your way. It hasn’t really happened for me yet, but it’s not something I’m concerned about.”

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Finch is looking forward to renewing his partnership with Warner as Australia sets about claiming its fifth World Cup.

“It’s just great to bat with Davey – he takes a lot of pressure off anyone he bats with just by the way he intimidates the opposition,” he said.

“He takes up so much of their mental energy that it allows players at the other end to get into their innings.

“We’ve had some great openers over the years and he’s certainly one of them.”

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