Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson believes it will be difficult for the team’s captain Aaron Finch to get selected in the T20 World Cup squad if he continues his dismal form.
Finch could not deliver the goods for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2022 as he scored 86 runs at an average of 17.20 in five matches.
Finch hasn’t been at his best and he will look to turn the tables before the T20I showpiece. Meanwhile, Finch had led Australia to glory in the 2021 T20 World Cup, which had taken place in the UAE.
Australia will now host the upcoming T20I showpiece and the home side will want their captain to be at his best.
Speaking on the ‘Grade Cricketer’ Podcast, the former all-rounder opined: “Unfortunately, Finch is batting nowhere near his best. He needs to work on his technique and mindset. It’s changed a lot from when he’s been at his best. If he’s not scoring runs in the lead up to the T20 World Cup, you can’t pick him. At the moment, he’s so far out of touch. If he continues to bat the way he is, it would be a big liability, especially as an opener.”
In fact, Finch wasn’t at his best in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup as he had scored 135 runs in seven matches at an average of 19.28 and a strike rate of 116.37.
Meanwhile, after the ball-tampering saga against South Africa in 2018, Cricket Australia banned David Warner from any leadership role in Australian cricket. Steve Smith was given a two-year ban and now he is Australia’s Test team vice-captain. Watson feels it is ridiculous as Warner has great cricket acumen.
“He’s a leader who has led SRH to great success. He’s got a great understanding of the game.”
“In my opinion, he’s served his time. Yes, he was involved in a big mistake in Australian cricket but he’s been severely punished in so many ways. He’s been absolutely smashed across the board. He’s done his time. Everyone makes mistakes. You’re allowed to forgive. I think it’s absurd that he’s not allowed to captain a (Australian) team. Absolutely ridiculous.”
Warner is in red hot form in the ongoing IPL 2022 for Delhi Capitals as he has scored 427 runs in 11 matches at an average of 53.38 and a strike rate of 151.96.
