Test technique hurt my short game, says Finch

OPENER Aaron Finch admits batting technique changes made for Test cricket have affected his shorter format form ahead of Australia’s Twenty20 international with South Africa on the Gold Coast.

But the national one-day and T20 captain has backed himself to succeed in all three formats.

The Geelong batsman will lead Australia in its one-off clash against the Proteas tomorrow night before a threegame T20 series against India starts in Brisbane on Wednesday.

It ensures the burly batsman will only get one Sheffield Shield game for Victoria — against Queensland from November 27 — ahead of Australia’s first Test against India in Adelaide next month.

And Finch is no guarantee of even opening for the Vics in the Shield clash against the Bulls after usually being relegated to their middle order.

Adding to the mystery surrounding Australia’s top order Test spots against India, incumbent opener Usman Khawaja is on track to return from a knee injury while Queensland’s Matt Renshaw is back in form and demanding a return.

However, Finch believes he can keep his baggy green and still contribute in all three for- mats despite admitting his Test technique is affecting his shorter game form.

Finch, 31, made his Test debut in Australia’s ill-fated series against Pakistan in UAE last month.

“In the UAE my technique really tightened up. Those technique changes have probably hurt me a bit in the onedayers — I am not quite as free,” Finch said.

“It’s a more focused technique on keeping everything tight and straight and simple.

“It’s a few changes that are simple but I feel they give me the best chance in the longer format.”

Finch said he had taken a back to basics approach to prepare for what he hoped was a full summer in all three formats for Australia.

“I wouldn’t say it (playing all formats) is overwhelming. The last couple of days have been a really great freshen up,” said Finch, who has enjoyed a break since Australia’s 2-1 ODI series loss to South Africa.

“It’s about prioritising what’s next. There’s the T20 against South Africa, then the Indians, then a Shield game up against Queensland.

“Having one eye too far ahead is disastrous.”

Finch had a successful Test debut, averaging 45.25 against Pakistan but fell away in the home ODI series loss to South Africa with just 59 runs at 19.00.