The squad has been announced for the third ODI against India, and the notable omission from the revised listings was that of big Cam White.
Despite the injury to Michael Clarke, White couldn’t force his way into the 15-man squad, even on the back of two strong one-day domestic seasons and a successful T20 return for the Aussies.
While Clarke’s hamstring is causing him a little bit of discomfort, the player who would be least at ease is Aaron Finch. Not only has White bagged the runs, but across both limited overs formats, he’s proven he can bat anywhere in the top five.
It’s not that Finch has had a bad year, not by any stretch of the imagination. He started off 2014 by tapping two tons against the Poms, and then plundered another century and fifty against South Africa and Zimbabwe respectively during the African Tri-Series.
As you expect from an opener, when he gets going his powerful hitting has often got the Aussie batting rolling, and it’s a mere 15 months since his 156 off 63 balls in that T20 International showed us what a force he can be.
But such is the pressure of the World Cup build up, that he is in desperate need of current runs. His last eight ODI knocks have yielded a top of 54 and at a diminished strike rate compared to that of his career. His two Matador Cup innings were just as uninspiring, and despite his T20 form, he is now in a position where he drastically needs to improve, as the side looks for continuity ahead of the home Tri-Series against England and India.
You do have to feel for Finch. One factor which makes the scrutiny on his position even greater is the form and stature of his fellow opener, David Warner. Both openers have similarly aggressive styles, and tend to hard at the new ball. It’s unusual to have two dominating batsmen opening together, and often selectors prefer to match that style with a more rounded and responsible batsman to act as the foil (a la Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden).
With Steve Smith the like for like replacement for Clarke at four, Cameron White’s form applies the blow torch to Finch. As the bowlers and all-rounders tussle for their slots, the next few outings for Finch may make or break his World Cup dreams. Wednesday’s third game will be pivotal, as Cricket Australia are currently announcing their squads on a match by match basis.
If he fails again, don’t be surprised to see White and Warner at the top of the order come the end of the week. Such is the merry-go-round of Australian cricket.
ChrisB
Guest
So an opener going on to make a big score - always the best way to win a 50-over match - means squat to you as it was too slow. Brilliant logic there Gotta love a lot of the people that post on this site. So willing to condemn people so early on, or so completely. Warner's a one-dimensional slogger (remember all those saying that), Johnson's too erratic and overrated, Smith's just a NSW pretty boy selectors pet yada yada yada It's not going to always come off by any means, but one thing Australian selectors have always done is punted on young talent, often ahead of well-performed first class players. I suspect Finch will always be hit and miss, but he's done nothing to serve being dropped right now
Joel
Roar Rookie
SFL, I'm forced to wonder about you sometimes. The older the ball got the harder it was to hit. There were only 2 players in the whole match that scored freely on it and that was Smith and De Villiers. People here criticise Finch when he gets out hitting out, and then criticise when he plays a good solid knock and takes his time with things. He laid an excellent platform for Australia to score a big total on a slow pitch. give the guy a break!
Shortfineleg
Guest
Finch got a ton. But, in context of a belter, it was slow. Warner and Watson got out trying to keep the runs going - doing the lifting for Finch. I question whether it was team play. The same thing happened when these teams met in Harare earlier this year. Finch got a ton batting first - and Australia got over 300 - but SA won easily. Will history repeat itself? Get him out - for White.
Gareth Kidd
Roar Guru
He could have got his runs a little quicker... #complaints
Matt
Guest
Which he just delivered.
Maroon Grown Hero
Guest
Bearfax, earlier this year Khawaja made an unbeaten 182 in the fourth innings of a SS match to lead his side in chasing down 471. I think I could see more of that!
Joel
Roar Rookie
Yep, Finch is limited to a mere 360 degree scoring zone. He has weaknesses early in his innings, but you have to be good enough to exploit them before his feet get moving. Finch is a good ODI batsman. I'm sure you won't be complaining when he makes his next hundred...
Joel
Roar Rookie
Khawaja opens for QLD in ODD, and should for Aus too. Yep, Haddin opened a few times for Aus, so did James Hopes. Doesn't mean it was a good idea. The order for one day is pretty much set. Finch has earned his stripes, and inconsistency is not a new thing for him. No one complains when he's making hundreds...know what I mean? Warner isn't going anywhere. Watson is one of the best ODI players in the world when he's in form, just needs a longer run to get back into ship shape.. Manuka might be the place to get started. Smith 4, Bailey 5, M.Marsh 6, Maxwell 7 as a late order hitter, Faulkner 8 Johnson 9. The last places vary depending on availability and conditions but for the moment let's call it Hazlewood/NCN, Doherty. If Clarke is fit for the WC, it's Smith that goes. It would take an injury for anyone else to get a look in, especially in the batting.
Shortfineleg
Guest
Slave to performance.
Bearfax
Guest
MGH I also hope Khawaja drags himself back from the mire of his past two seasons. Certainly his one day performances have been outstanding. But we have yet to see him this year in the longer form game. The next Shield game will apparently see him back in the Queensland side after his broken thumb problem so we will then be able to assess what he has learned and if his one day performances will be now translated to his longer form game. Like you I have a lot of time for Ussie, but he has to prove himself yet at that level before I would be suggesting a return to the test side.
Maroon Grown Hero
Guest
Can't argue with that record, Ross.
Maroon Grown Hero
Guest
Hopefully they're looking at him as a long term fixture in the test side. Ashes next year and I'm sure they'll want their best option at no. 3 firing!
ajay
Guest
yeah ! ross but i don't think ozz selectors are interested in Khawaja otherwise why khawaja ignored against proteas ? he is fit now i think?
Ross Fleming
Roar Rookie
ajay agree with you on having Khawaja as opener, he has earned it
Ross Fleming
Roar Rookie
White has 741 runs at an average of 67.36 and Khawaja with 949 at 73, these are figures you can't ignore and why Khawaja fans are calling for his recall to the ODI team, though i would love for him to focus more on test cricket as he is tailored made for test cricket.
Shortfineleg
Guest
I'd be happy, but he has to get over the thumb injury.
Craig Watson
Guest
Ajay What about Haddin as opener. Has done it before and successfully. Besides a left / right opening combination is always better. Do not need him so far down order when we have Faulkner there. I think Kawaja would be better suited at three with Smithy at four.
Craig Watson
Guest
I am with you ajay. Spot on the team I would pick except have Bear at four or five not eight or wherever you have him. Faulkner can bat there.. Watson is an ordinary 50 over player. Too many shots to fielders and has no real plan of attack. Bailey for certain as he looks like regaining his old form.. Clarke should rest his body from short form to prolong his test career. Like Behrendorff as well but Starc has running at present.
Craig Watson
Guest
That in a nutshell is why White should be there instead of flat track bullies like Finch and Maxwell. He can grit it out if needed or go big if needed.
Maroon Grown Hero
Guest
How about Khawaja's grace complementing Warner's sheer power?