Finch hailed for backing his instinct in key moments

Australia assistant coach Ricky Ponting has lauded skipper Aaron Finch for his tactical acumen and positive approach in his team’s success at the ICC World Cup 2019.

For the last two decades, Australia have been torch-bearers at the Cricket World Cup, having won four of the last five editions. The team currently leads the points table in this year’s World Cup, with seven wins from eight games. Their success in this tournament has been powered by consistent performances from their key players, brought about by efficient captaincy from Aaron Finch. Ponting, a two-time World Cup-winning captain, recently hailed the 32-year-old’s ability to back his instincts during key moments of the game.

“The way that Finchy is leading this team now right through this tournament has been outstanding,” Ponting told cricket.com.au. “The way he’s using his bowlers and not just using them at the moment, but he’s thinking forward in the game as well. He’s very in-tune, but he’s also very confident in believing in what he thinks is right and going with that.”

Throughout the tournament, Australia have seized key moments in the game to dent their opponent’s progress. Their 86-run victory over New Zealand, at Lord’s, was no different.

“The big moments in every game, we’ve been winning, and that’s the difference in tournament play,” Ponting said. “Most games that we’ve played, there have been moments where the game has been slipping away and we’ve had to dig really deep and claw our way back into the game, and today was another great example.”

Against New Zealand, Finch used as many as eight bowlers, including himself, on a Lord’s track that assisted spin. Steve Smith, who had made his Test debut as a leg-spinning all-rounder at the same venue nine years ago, dismissed Colin de Grandhomme on the first ball of his second spell.

“Justin (Langer) was actually behind one today, he was behind Smithy bowling to de Grandhomme when he first came out,” said Ponting. “We were sitting on the balcony saying, ‘if this comes off, this will be the biggest fluke of all-time.’ Sure enough, the first ball he hit straight down long-off’s throat. You could see he was pretty happy about that one.”

Ponting also appreciated the positivity around the team, citing it as the reason for his team’s success. “There’s some really good vibes around the team. You put all those things in the mixing pot together, it’s not rocket science – you’re going to get good results.”