Vics throw Finch plans into doubt

AUSTRALIA could have their first Test plans railroaded by Victoria, who have intimated they will refuse to play Aaron Finch as an opener in his only red-ball warm-up.

Selectors are set to resist making wholesale changes for the first Test squad to face India and will largely show faith in the top order that struggled in the UAE desert.

Finch, Usman Khawaja, Shaun and Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head are set to be named in Justin Langer’s squad for the home summer, meaning there is only one place left to fill in the top six.

But an extra batsman may need to be found, with selectors likely to name a cover batsman for Khawaja who won’t be given a final pass mark until he’s played a warm-up match next week for Queensland.

Matthew Renshaw and inform Victorian Marcus Harris would appear to be vying for one position in the squad and the chance to open the batting.

As if Langer doesn’t have enough headaches at the selection table, he may be given another one by Victorian State coach Andrew McDonald who yesterday admitted he strongly disagrees with Australia’s plans to play Finch as an opener for the first Test.

Finch averages just 18 in Sheffield Shield cricket as an opener.

McDonald indicated he would be sticking the Australian ODI captain back in the middle-order for next week’s Shield match – the batsman’s only hit against the red ball before the summer kick-off against India in Adelaide on December 6.