Finch’s Test arrival well timed: Paine
AARON Finch’s Test introduction couldn’t have been better timed according to captain Tim Paine, who expects the limited overs specialist to grasp his opportunity against Pakistan.
A senior member of Australia’s one-day and Twenty-20 sides, Finch’s short-form runs have thrust him into the redball fray for a two-Test tour of the United Arab Emirates next month.
He was one of five potential debutants on the plane out of appearance for Queensland in today’s season opener against NSW at Bill Pippen Oval on the Gold Coast.
The Fire secured the signature of the classy Australian international batter on a shortterm deal after Victoria baulked Brisbane on Wednesday night, where Paine gave Matthew Renshaw’s potential opening partner his endorsement.
“It’s come at a really good time for him. He’s in outstanding form, albeit it in white ball cricket, but you can only score runs in the game you’re playing,” Paine said.
David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith are all suspended following March’s ball-tampering saga in South Africa while bowling pillars Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also miss the tour due to injury. at carrying a dual-code player on their books.
Duffin, 29, is contracted to play for North Melbourne in the AFLW next year after leaving Collingwood, and will turn out for Melbourne Renegades in the WBBL this summer.
Bowlers Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett, as well as batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head join Finch as their replacements.
At 31, the big-hitting Victorian offers much-needed experience that could help Paine as he leads the depleted side out of the shadows cast byt the disastrous tour of South Africa.
“He’s matured into a really good cricketer. Guys come into their best in their early 30s ... Finchy couldn’t have been picked at a better time,” said Paine, who expects to have input before the XI for the first
Duffin, crowned the VFLW player of the year last season following her efforts with Williamstown, said she was pleased Queensland allowed her the flexibility to play both sports.
“I’ve come up for the opportunity,” Duffin said. Test on October 7 is finalised. Meanwhile, Paine said a patient approach will be required at the crease to counter the conditions – something a far more accomplished Australian side was unable to do in a 2-0 thumping in the UAE four years ago.
“Games in UAE take a long time. You have to be patient to build partnerships – patience and pressure,” he said.
“We’re going to have to play really hard, tough cricket and, same for our bowlers, it’s going to be about wearing them down.”
“With me being a dual sportsperson, the Vic Spirit didn’t want to go down that track. I was a bit disappointed in the sense I had to leave my state to play in the WNCL, but I fully understood where they were coming from.”