'He has been a very good finisher' - Matthew Hayden backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar's death-bowling skills

Australia pipped India in the first match of the three-match T20I series in Mohali on the back of a blistering innings from veteran wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade. India's inability to close off the innings came to the fore once again as Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded 16 runs in the penultimate over as Australia finished the chase in style. However, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has backed the veteran Indian pacer to continue with his role at the death.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was on the receiving end of widespread criticism after an abysmal showing in the recently concluded Asia Cup tournament. The right-arm quick conceded 19 runs against Pakistan in the penultimate over and followed it with another expensive 14-run penultimate over in the crunch game against Sri Lanka.

When asked whether the Indian pacer was skillful enough to bowl at the death, Hayden backed Bhuvneshwar's abilities with the ball at the death. He stated that his primary role is to take wickets upfront with the new ball, but he can do the job for the skipper in the latter stages of the games as well.

"I disagree with that. I think he can and has been a very good finisher. I think that is his role. I mean, obviously, his role is to take wickets up front but if your skipper wants an over or two from you at the end, then he can do that," Hayden said while speaking on Star Sports show 'Match Point'.

India were under the pump in the second innings with opener Cameron Green living a charmed life at the crease, providing a sizzling start to the Aussies. The bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs with the Men in Blues in the ascendency, but an explosive partnership between debutant Tim David and Wade, coupled with some wayward bowling at the death, derailed India's aspiration of clinching the series opener.