Aaron Finch blames top order collapse for series debacle in New Zealand

Australia suffered a 24 run defeat in the final match of the 3-match series against New Zealand. The defeat meant that they lost the Chappell-Hadlee series 2-0. The stand-in skipper, Aaron Finch, blamed the top order for their lackluster show in the series. As per the quotes in the Wisden India, Finch believes that the top order must have shouldered more responsibility.

Australia lost the first match of the series by just 6 runs despite the heroics of middle-order batsman Marcus Stoinis. The second game was a washed out affair and the third match was not fruitful for the visitors either. Veteran players David Warner and Steve Smith were rested for the series and Matthew Wade was named the skipper of the side in the absence of Smith.

However, last moment injury to Wade saw Aaron Finch leading the Aussies. Finch noted that against a quality bowling line-up that boasted of Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson, the top order batsmen should have absorbed more pressure.

“The top order needs to take responsibilty. You have got guys like Boult, (Tim) Southee and (Lockie) Ferguson who were executing quite well under pressure. It otherwise makes it hard when the lower order batters are in, so the top order needs to take responsibility,” Finch said.

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Trying to extract the silver lining on the tour, the skipper remarked that it was a learning experience for many inexperienced players. Talking specifically about Stoinis, he expressed his happiness that the all-rounder got a go against a quality side. Stoinis had hit an unbeaten 117-ball 146 in the first ODI to go with 3 wickets to his name.

“I think we can learn a lot from this tour and from our performances. We had a few inexperienced players in the side, but end of the day, we come here to win, but we didn’t. It’s a fantastic opportunity for guys like Marcus to play international cricket against a world-class side like New Zealand. He’s showed glimpses of it a long time now and I think in the last 12 months his game has really taken off. He’s someone you love seeing do well and the way he played, 146 and looked like he was shaping up to it today again,” said the Aussie skipper.

One of the main reasons why Australia lost the game was due to a brilliant spell by Trent Boult. Boult was the wrecker in chief as he scalped 6/33 to dismantle the Australian innings. Praising Boult, Aaron Finch noted that he is a class act. The ability to bowl the in swinger with precision makes him a deadly proposition.

“He’s a world-class bowler where he challenges you on both sides of the bat as you arrive. On that wicket, some were holding up and some were sort of going away with the angle. He’s got that ability to bowl a beautiful in swinger. He’s a guy who is always attacking and you’d love to have him in your side. We’re lucky we have Mitchell Starc, who is along the same lines as Trent,” Finch conceded.