Finch's perfect timing
Fri, 12 March 2010
There's never a bad time to make a maiden Sheffield Shield century, but on the eve of the Shield final when your place in the line-up is not secure must surely count as one of the better ones. That's what chunky Bushrangers batsman Aaron Finch was able to achieve against Tasmania on Thursday with a hard-hitting 102 - a breakthrough innings for the 23-year-old, who's been typecast up to now as a short-form specialist. With skipper Cameron White and experienced opener Chris Rogers likely to return to the line-up for next week's Shield final against Queensland, Finch appreciates the timely nature of his achievement. "I don't know if anyone's spot's ever guaranteed, but obviously it helps out a lot," said Finch. "It puts me right up there with the selectors, I suppose." "With them two coming back, there's going to be a bit of competition for selection." "I've had my aim on playing Shield cricket all year, probably the past couple of years, and to get a chance this year and to bat up at No.3 has been a great opportunity." "It's very pleasing that 'Shippy' (coach, Greg Shipperd) has got some faith in me." Finch, whose hundred came from just 151 deliveries and included 15 fours and a six, said his task was made easier by batting with acting captain David Hussey. The pair shared a 212-run stand for the third wicket - Victoria's best partnership for the season - and Hussey went on to score an imperious 140. "I had the best seat in the house to watch him demolish them today," said Finch. "He played beautifully and once he got in he started timing the ball really well and couldn't have played any better." "The wicket started to flatten out a little bit after lunch and that's when we really got in and cashed-in a little bit then." Finch said he expects the Bushrangers to press hard for the outright against Tassie even if Queensland should happen to lose to the Warriors in Brisbane - as appears likely - and the outright points are not required for the Vics to secure a home final. "I think the bowlers would like to have another hitout before they go into the final, to go in with a bit more confidence under their belt," he said. "Damien Wright has been bowling beautifully, 'Hasto' (John Hastings) has had a long year and so has 'Ronny' McDonald." "It will be tough for them, but I'm sure for one more game they will be able to get up."
by Angus Morgan, Sportal
