Australia's cricketers in front of Ricky Ponting are "like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber", feels the team's World Cup skipper Aaron Finch about the batting great, whose mere presence gives them a fillip.

In February, Ponting was appointed as an assistant coach for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/icc-world-cup-2019-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-211495#australia-211477">Australia's World Cup campaign</a>, specifically working with the limited overs batsmen.

Ponting has previously worked short-term with Australia's ODI and Twenty20 squads.

"The boys all want to impress 'Punter'," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au.

"Everyone wants to impress Punter, you should see them - it's like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber when Punter's around the changeroom," he said, drawing comparisons between Ponting and the famous Canadian singer-songwriter.

"It's embarrassing, but it's great," Finch said of the legend who won the World Cup three times including twice as captain.

After a tough series at home against India, Australia turned things around and registered victories in India and against Pakistan.&nbsp;

Finch played his part in the revival of fortunes, forming a fine opening partnership with Usman Khwaja.

Since making a drought-breaking 93 against India at Ranchi, Finch had three big scores and his team eight consecutive wins.

"That was really exciting for me, it meant so much to see how happy others were for me to get some runs," he said.

"The lessons that I learned and the support that I got from players and everyone was unbelievable, and it really makes you think about the care that there is for the individual player."

Finch admitted there were "a few scars" noticeable among the members of the ODI outfit which had been involved in the preceding South Africa Test campaign that was marred by the ball-tampering saga, and that it took the new-look squad some time to find its feet.&nbsp;

Australia's cricketers in front of Ricky Ponting are "like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber", feels the team's World Cup skipper Aaron Finch about the batting great, whose mere presence gives them a fillip.

Australia's cricketers in front of Ricky Ponting are "like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber", feels the team's World Cup skipper Aaron Finch about the batting great, whose mere presence gives them a fillip. In February, Ponting was appointed as an assistant coach for Australia's World Cup campaign, specifically working with the limited overs batsmen. Ponting has previously worked short-term with Australia's ODI and Twenty20 squads. "The boys all want to impress 'Punter'," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au. "Everyone wants to impress Punter, you should see them - it's like eight-year-old girls around Justin Bieber when Punter's around the changeroom," he said, drawing comparisons between Ponting and the famous Canadian singer-songwriter. "It's embarrassing, but it's great," Finch said of the legend who won the World Cup three times including twice as captain. After a tough series at home against India, Australia turned things around and registered victories in India and against Pakistan. Finch played his part in the revival of fortunes, forming a fine opening partnership with Usman Khwaja. Since making a drought-breaking 93 against India at Ranchi, Finch had three big scores and his team eight consecutive wins. "That was really exciting for me, it meant so much to see how happy others were for me to get some runs," he said. "The lessons that I learned and the support that I got from players and everyone was unbelievable, and it really makes you think about the care that there is for the individual player." Finch admitted there were "a few scars" noticeable among the members of the ODI outfit which had been involved in the preceding South Africa Test campaign that was marred by the ball-tampering saga, and that it took the new-look squad some time to find its feet.

In Ponting's presence, Australian players are like 8-year-old girls around Justin Bieber: Aaron Finch

Australia captain Aaron Finch believes David Warner will enter this year's World Cup desperate to prove himself as the disgraced batsman prepares to rejoin his teammates after a ball-tampering ban.

Warner has been in red-hot form in the India Premier League after completing a 12-month suspension for cheating, averaging 69.20 in 12 innings, including a century and eight fifties.

Finch expected the fiery batsman to also dominate on the international stage, providing a massive boost for Australia as the reigning champions chase a sixth World Cup trophy.

"He's coming back with a huge hunger, not just to perform well for his franchise, but to dominate international cricket again," Finch told Melbourne commercial radio Wednesday. &nbsp;

"When you have your dream taken away from you for 12 months, I can imagine there's something inside you that burns really strongly."

Finch said the ban, imposed after Warner masterminded the "Sandpaper-gate" scandal in Cape Town last year, had given the 32-year-old a chance to refresh his game.

"He's a super player, we know how destructive he can be," he said.

"I think having time off to spend with his family and get away from the game (was important)."

Warner and former Australian captain Steve Smith, who was also banned over the cheating scandal, will officially rejoin the Australian squad for the first time at a training camp in Brisbane on Friday.

Finch did not expect any problems re-integrating them into the team, even though the former captain and deputy will have to defer to a new leadership team.

He said he would consult the pair about on-field tactics.

"I'll be using them as much as I can tactically because they've both captained a lot of cricket and are very good captains on the field," he said.&nbsp;

"It would be really naive of me not to lean on them."

Finch also revealed he feared for his own spot on the team after a recent barren run, although he believed he had now returned to form.

"In the back of your mind you're thinking, 'Gee, the World Cup isn't far away, as a captain I could be left out of the squad'," he said.

"Then you start putting unrealistic pressure on yourself to perform."

Finch had an unsuccessful spell in the Test side last year, averaging 27.80 in five matches, and conceded that at 32 his career in the long-form game was over.

"My chances to play Test cricket again have probably slipped away," he said.

"I'm still very grateful for the opportunity... I'm OK with that because I gave it everything I could."

Australia captain Aaron Finch believes David Warner will enter this year's World Cup desperate to prove himself as the disgraced batsman prepares to rejoin his teammates after a ball-tampering ban.

Australia captain Aaron Finch believes David Warner will enter this year's World Cup desperate to prove himself as the disgraced batsman prepares to rejoin his teammates after a ball-tampering ban. Warner has been in red-hot form in the India Premier League after completing a 12-month suspension for cheating, averaging 69.20 in 12 innings, including a century and eight fifties. Finch expected the fiery batsman to also dominate on the international stage, providing a massive boost for Australia as the reigning champions chase a sixth World Cup trophy. "He's coming back with a huge hunger, not just to perform well for his franchise, but to dominate international cricket again," Finch told Melbourne commercial radio Wednesday. "When you have your dream taken away from you for 12 months, I can imagine there's something inside you that burns really strongly." Finch said the ban, imposed after Warner masterminded the "Sandpaper-gate" scandal in Cape Town last year, had given the 32-year-old a chance to refresh his game. "He's a super player, we know how destructive he can be," he said. "I think having time off to spend with his family and get away from the game (was important)." Warner and former Australian captain Steve Smith, who was also banned over the cheating scandal, will officially rejoin the Australian squad for the first time at a training camp in Brisbane on Friday. Finch did not expect any problems re-integrating them into the team, even though the former captain and deputy will have to defer to a new leadership team. He said he would consult the pair about on-field tactics. "I'll be using them as much as I can tactically because they've both captained a lot of cricket and are very good captains on the field," he said. "It would be really naive of me not to lean on them." Finch also revealed he feared for his own spot on the team after a recent barren run, although he believed he had now returned to form. "In the back of your mind you're thinking, 'Gee, the World Cup isn't far away, as a captain I could be left out of the squad'," he said. "Then you start putting unrealistic pressure on yourself to perform." Finch had an unsuccessful spell in the Test side last year, averaging 27.80 in five matches, and conceded that at 32 his career in the long-form game was over. "My chances to play Test cricket again have probably slipped away," he said. "I'm still very grateful for the opportunity... I'm OK with that because I gave it everything I could."

David Warner is coming back with a huge hunger, says Aaron Finch

Fitting the disgraced duo of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Steve+Smith">Steve Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=David+Warner">David Warner</a> into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch.

Both Smith and Warner are eligible to return to the national side after their 12-month suspensions for ball-tampering ended on Thursday.

Australia beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series, and have now won six matches in succession after coming back to defeat India 3-2 away.

Finch said it would be tough for selectors to decide who to leave out of the 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England.

"It is bloody hard," he said.

"Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is.

"At the end of the day ... it's an incredibly tough decision. Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad, there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there."

One could be Usman Khawaja, formerly a fringe member of the one-day side, who has flourished opening the batting with Finch since his recall in January, with 609 runs at an average of 55.36.

The left-hander could make way for Warner, who has scored more than 4,300 one-day runs and 14 centuries, in an explosive opening combination with Finch.

Smith, who has only just returned from elbow surgery, would complement a middle order of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb, with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell providing power-hitting through the lower-middle order.

Having struggled for a period without Smith and Warner, Finch's side have shown the kind of form that propelled them to a fifth World Cup title four years ago on home soil.

Finch said consistency of selection had aided their turnaround.

"The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role, and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands, is gold," he said.

"That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past.

"I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so.

"That goes a long way, not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays."

Fitting the disgraced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch.

Fitting the disgraced duo of Steve Smith and David Warner into Australia's World Cup squad will be "bloody hard" given the side's resurgence without them, according to captain Aaron Finch. Both Smith and Warner are eligible to return to the national side after their 12-month suspensions for ball-tampering ended on Thursday. Australia beat Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in their five-match ODI series, and have now won six matches in succession after coming back to defeat India 3-2 away. Finch said it would be tough for selectors to decide who to leave out of the 15-man squad for the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England. "It is bloody hard," he said. "Especially when the side is playing so well, it's going to be difficult. No matter who it is. "At the end of the day ... it's an incredibly tough decision. Whatever balance you go with in that 15-man squad, there's going to be some very unlucky blokes out there." One could be Usman Khawaja, formerly a fringe member of the one-day side, who has flourished opening the batting with Finch since his recall in January, with 609 runs at an average of 55.36. The left-hander could make way for Warner, who has scored more than 4,300 one-day runs and 14 centuries, in an explosive opening combination with Finch. Smith, who has only just returned from elbow surgery, would complement a middle order of Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb, with all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell providing power-hitting through the lower-middle order. Having struggled for a period without Smith and Warner, Finch's side have shown the kind of form that propelled them to a fifth World Cup title four years ago on home soil. Finch said consistency of selection had aided their turnaround. "The fact that guys are getting more of an opportunity to keep developing their role, and developing the role they've been asked to play or the game demands, is gold," he said. "That probably goes under the radar a little bit when you're looking at teams that have been successful in the past. "I think leading up to the 2015 World Cup, we'd had the same 15 players for a good 18 months or so. "That goes a long way, not just to your culture but just an understanding of how each other plays."

Return of Steve Smith, David Warner makes for hard selections: Aaron Finch

Australia captain Aaron Finch scored a century as they beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening one-day international at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing 281 to win, the tourists reached their target with an over to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with Finch making 116 and Shaun Marsh unbeaten on 91.

Unbeaten Haris Sohail's maiden ODI ton had helped Pakistan reach 280 for five in 50 overs after skipper Shoaib Malik, standing in for the rested Sarfraz Ahmed, won the toss and elected to bat.

Sohail, who scored his first test century against Australia in October, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 101 off 115 balls including six fours and a six before late fireworks by Imad Wasim ensured they would defend a challenging total.

The victory was Australia's fourth in a row in the format and follows their 3-2 series triumph in India.

Finch and Marsh put on a 172-run stand after Usman Khawaja was dismissed for 24. The pair paced their innings perfectly on a wicket that improved under lights before Finch was dismissed by debutant pace bowler Mohammad Abbas in the 43rd over.

The captain hit eight fours and four sixes en route to his 12th century. Peter Handscomb ensured Australia crossed the finish line without any problems, scoring an unbeaten 30.

Earlier, Pakistan's openers started sluggishly, with Imam-ul-Haq scoring 17 before being dismissed by spinner Nathan Lyon while debutant Shan Masood was castled by paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile for a 62-ball 40.

Sohail and Umar Akmal combined for a 98-run partnership before the latter, dropped by Peter Handscomb in the 27th over, was caught at mid-off just short of his half-century as he looked to increase the scoring rate.

Malik was bowled by Glenn Maxwell for 11 shortly afterwards and was replaced in the middle by Faheem Ashraf, who helped steady the innings with a handy 28.

Sohail, playing in his first ODI in over four months, edged closer to his century before completing it with a single off Coulter-Nile in the final over of the innings.

Pakistan scored 55 runs in the last five overs thanks to all-rounder Wasim, who made an unbeaten 28 from 13 balls to boost the total.

The second game takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

Australia captain Aaron Finch scored a century as they beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening one-day international at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Australia captain Aaron Finch scored a century as they beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the opening one-day international at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. Chasing 281 to win, the tourists reached their target with an over to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with Finch making 116 and Shaun Marsh unbeaten on 91. Unbeaten Haris Sohail's maiden ODI ton had helped Pakistan reach 280 for five in 50 overs after skipper Shoaib Malik, standing in for the rested Sarfraz Ahmed, won the toss and elected to bat. Sohail, who scored his first test century against Australia in October, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 101 off 115 balls including six fours and a six before late fireworks by Imad Wasim ensured they would defend a challenging total. The victory was Australia's fourth in a row in the format and follows their 3-2 series triumph in India. Finch and Marsh put on a 172-run stand after Usman Khawaja was dismissed for 24. The pair paced their innings perfectly on a wicket that improved under lights before Finch was dismissed by debutant pace bowler Mohammad Abbas in the 43rd over. The captain hit eight fours and four sixes en route to his 12th century. Peter Handscomb ensured Australia crossed the finish line without any problems, scoring an unbeaten 30. Earlier, Pakistan's openers started sluggishly, with Imam-ul-Haq scoring 17 before being dismissed by spinner Nathan Lyon while debutant Shan Masood was castled by paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile for a 62-ball 40. Sohail and Umar Akmal combined for a 98-run partnership before the latter, dropped by Peter Handscomb in the 27th over, was caught at mid-off just short of his half-century as he looked to increase the scoring rate. Malik was bowled by Glenn Maxwell for 11 shortly afterwards and was replaced in the middle by Faheem Ashraf, who helped steady the innings with a handy 28. Sohail, playing in his first ODI in over four months, edged closer to his century before completing it with a single off Coulter-Nile in the final over of the innings. Pakistan scored 55 runs in the last five overs thanks to all-rounder Wasim, who made an unbeaten 28 from 13 balls to boost the total. The second game takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

AUSvsPAK, 1st ODI: Aaron Finch century helps Australia beat Pakistan by 8 wickets

Australian cricket captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Aaron+Finch">Aaron Finch</a> on Monday (March 11) said that they were optimistic of winning a One-Day International series in India after a long time.

The five-match series between the two sides is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ashton-turner-usman-khawaja-and-peter-handscomb-made-australias-record-run-chase-special-against-india-202475">currently tied at 2-2</a> after Australia chased down a steep total of 359 to stay alive in the series.

Australia's last series win in the 50-over format in India came in 2009.&nbsp;

The team was invited for a special evening in New Delhi by the Australian High Commission in India.

Finch said that there is never a dull moment when they are playing with India as there is always "a lot of passion, a lot of fierce competitiveness between the two countries".&nbsp;

The team also interacted with veteran Indian bowler, Bishan Singh Bedi, who was a part of the famous Indian spin quartet.&nbsp;

The two teams will play the series-deciding ODI match in New Delhi on Wednesday (March 13).

If Finch's men win the New Delhi ODI, they'll become first Australian side win a five-match series after trailing 0-2.&nbsp;

Australian cricket captain Aaron Finch on Monday (March 11) said that they were optimistic of winning a One-Day International series in India after a long time. The five-match series between the two sides is currently tied at 2-2 after Australia chased down a steep total of 359 to stay alive in the series.

Australian cricket captain Aaron Finch on Monday (March 11) said that they were optimistic of winning a One-Day International series in India after a long time. The five-match series between the two sides is currently tied at 2-2 after Australia chased down a steep total of 359 to stay alive in the series. Australia's last series win in the 50-over format in India came in 2009. The team was invited for a special evening in New Delhi by the Australian High Commission in India. Finch said that there is never a dull moment when they are playing with India as there is always "a lot of passion, a lot of fierce competitiveness between the two countries". The team also interacted with veteran Indian bowler, Bishan Singh Bedi, who was a part of the famous Indian spin quartet. The two teams will play the series-deciding ODI match in New Delhi on Wednesday (March 13). If Finch's men win the New Delhi ODI, they'll become first Australian side win a five-match series after trailing 0-2.

Australian skipper Aaron Finch hopes to win ODI series in India

Ashton Turner, Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb made Australia's record run chase special against India

Rishabh Pant will strive to seal a slot in the World Cup squad even as India fret about their top-order woes ahead of the fourth ODI against Australia, here Sunday.

Providing opportunities to all Cup hopefuls would be on Virat Kohli's mind and the team management is expected to ring in a few changes in the playing XI in the remaining two matches of the series.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni seem to have played his last international game in Ranchi and now Pant gets a chance to book his boarding pass for the London-bound flight.

In earlier ODIs, Pant had played purely as batsman but with Dhoni being rested, Pant will get a chance to don the big gloves.

The Indian playing XI will also have Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Sunday as he replaces Mohammed Shami, who was hit on the leg in his follow through during the third match.

Shami completed his spell but since he will be sharing the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah in England, it is natural to give him precautionary rest.

"We will have a few changes in the next couple of games but the idea is to tell the boys to put in match-winning performances and the boys will be looking to be in top form before the flight to England," Kohli said after the third ODI.

However, what will keep the Indian team worried is the batting form of the top-order, save skipper Kohli, who has been lock, stock and barrel above everyone in his team.

Kohli has 283 runs in three games with two hundreds and the next best in the Indian team is Kedar Jadhav with 118 runs.

Rohit Sharma is undergoing a rare slump in ODIs, having scored only 51 runs in three innings. Even worse is Ambati Rayudu's performance at No 4 with aggregate of 33 runs in three games.

Shikhar Dhawan's struggles are well-documented and he has scored only 22 runs in three games.

Dhawan and Rayudu's form should be a cause of concern even though both are certainties as far as place in the World Cup squad is concerned.

There are certain problems in both Dhawan and Rayudu's games but they won't get adequate time to correct those follies with just two games to be played in five days and the cash-rich IPL to follow soon.

Bangar however considers that the shortest of gaps between two games ? Friday and Sunday to be a blessing in disguise.

"At times, actually it's good that there is a very small turnaround between matches because if there are too many gaps, then players have that much more time to think. The best for any player is to get back into action and give it another shot. In fact I'm very pleased that the next game is starting Sunday," Bangar said.

While Kohli is not a great advocate of wholesale changes, KL Rahul is also expected to get a look-in but it is not clear who would he replace -- Dhawan or Rayudu.

India will be worried about Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who despite conceding lot of runs, has managed to get Kohli and Dhoni on multiple occasions.

"That's the sign of a good player. You're not at your best, not having your best day and still taking those important wickets. Batsmen pride themselves on the same thing - when you don't feel like you are hitting the ball well, you try to get runs on those days," Usman Khawaja said.

Teams:

India: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Vijay Shankar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rishabh Pant (wk).

Australia: Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Jhye Richardson, Adam Zampa, Andrew Tye, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon, Jason Behrendorff.

Rishabh Pant will strive to seal a slot in the World Cup squad even as India fret about their top-order woes ahead of the fourth ODI against Australia, here Sunday.

Rishabh Pant will strive to seal a slot in the World Cup squad even as India fret about their top-order woes ahead of the fourth ODI against Australia, here Sunday. Providing opportunities to all Cup hopefuls would be on Virat Kohli's mind and the team management is expected to ring in a few changes in the playing XI in the remaining two matches of the series. Mahendra Singh Dhoni seem to have played his last international game in Ranchi and now Pant gets a chance to book his boarding pass for the London-bound flight. In earlier ODIs, Pant had played purely as batsman but with Dhoni being rested, Pant will get a chance to don the big gloves. The Indian playing XI will also have Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Sunday as he replaces Mohammed Shami, who was hit on the leg in his follow through during the third match. Shami completed his spell but since he will be sharing the new ball with Jasprit Bumrah in England, it is natural to give him precautionary rest. "We will have a few changes in the next couple of games but the idea is to tell the boys to put in match-winning performances and the boys will be looking to be in top form before the flight to England," Kohli said after the third ODI. However, what will keep the Indian team worried is the batting form of the top-order, save skipper Kohli, who has been lock, stock and barrel above everyone in his team. Kohli has 283 runs in three games with two hundreds and the next best in the Indian team is Kedar Jadhav with 118 runs. Rohit Sharma is undergoing a rare slump in ODIs, having scored only 51 runs in three innings. Even worse is Ambati Rayudu's performance at No 4 with aggregate of 33 runs in three games. Shikhar Dhawan's struggles are well-documented and he has scored only 22 runs in three games. Dhawan and Rayudu's form should be a cause of concern even though both are certainties as far as place in the World Cup squad is concerned. There are certain problems in both Dhawan and Rayudu's games but they won't get adequate time to correct those follies with just two games to be played in five days and the cash-rich IPL to follow soon. Bangar however considers that the shortest of gaps between two games ? Friday and Sunday to be a blessing in disguise. "At times, actually it's good that there is a very small turnaround between matches because if there are too many gaps, then players have that much more time to think. The best for any player is to get back into action and give it another shot. In fact I'm very pleased that the next game is starting Sunday," Bangar said. While Kohli is not a great advocate of wholesale changes, KL Rahul is also expected to get a look-in but it is not clear who would he replace -- Dhawan or Rayudu. India will be worried about Aussie leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who despite conceding lot of runs, has managed to get Kohli and Dhoni on multiple occasions. "That's the sign of a good player. You're not at your best, not having your best day and still taking those important wickets. Batsmen pride themselves on the same thing - when you don't feel like you are hitting the ball well, you try to get runs on those days," Usman Khawaja said. Teams: India: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Vijay Shankar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rishabh Pant (wk). Australia: Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Jhye Richardson, Adam Zampa, Andrew Tye, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon, Jason Behrendorff.

INDvsAUS, 4th ODI: Virat Kohli-led team look to win series in Mohali

Australia skipper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=Aaron+Finch">Aaron Finch</a> was dismissed for a duck in his 100th one-day international after the tourists won the toss and elected to bat against India in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Finch faced just three deliveries of the second over when paceman Jasprit Bumrah got the opener caught behind by wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The first over was a maiden.

Finch, 32, managed just 83 runs in his previous seven ODI outings for Australia and scored a zero and eight in the two recent Twenty20 matches that Australia won against India.

He has accumulated 3,444 runs including 11 centuries since his ODI debut in 2013.

Australia and India will play five ODI matches scheduled to March 13.

Australia skipper Aaron Finch was dismissed for a duck in his 100th one-day international after the tourists won the toss and elected to bat against India in Hyderabad on Saturday.

Australia skipper Aaron Finch was dismissed for a duck in his 100th one-day international after the tourists won the toss and elected to bat against India in Hyderabad on Saturday. Finch faced just three deliveries of the second over when paceman Jasprit Bumrah got the opener caught behind by wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The first over was a maiden. Finch, 32, managed just 83 runs in his previous seven ODI outings for Australia and scored a zero and eight in the two recent Twenty20 matches that Australia won against India. He has accumulated 3,444 runs including 11 centuries since his ODI debut in 2013. Australia and India will play five ODI matches scheduled to March 13.

India vs Australia, 1st ODI: Australia's Aaron Finch out for nought in 100th ODI

Australia coach Justin Langer on promised unwavering support for out-of-form Aaron Finch, saying he has no doubts that the limited-overs skipper will soon find his mojo back.

Finch's rough patch has extended to the T20s as he was out for zero and eight in the two T20Is which Australia won to claim their maiden series win in the shortest format in India.

"He's such a good player, such a good person, captain of the team, we know he'll come good," Langer was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au.

"We just got to keep giving him plenty of care and support. We know he'll come good."

Finch has not scored a fifty in his last 19 innings for Australia in limited overs cricket.

However, Langer threw his weight behind Finch.

"There's no more destructive player in the world, we talk about 'Maxi' (Glenn Maxwell), Marcus Stoinis, a number of our players who can be so destructive but when he's going, he is as destructive as a player as there is in white-ball cricket," Langer said.

"We know he'll come good and we'll be patient with him."

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

Langer was impressed with the way Finch has conducted himself as a captain during this phase.

"Another important part about leadership is that he's really consistent.&nbsp;

We haven't seen any real change in his personality or his attitude around the group, so that's a real credit to him. That's why he is the captain of the team," he said.

"My experience of every captain, the most important thing is they're playing really good cricket. He's got to keep his attention on that. He's got lots of support around him. Like I say, he's such a good person, he's got to be Aaron Finch, be himself. He's doing that.

"He's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. We'll just keep encouraging him to be himself. His runs will come, keep encouraging him to be himself and

I'm sure he'll come good soon."

While Finch endured a lean patch, teammate Maxwell has been on fire, blasting a 55-ball match-winning 113 in the second T20I. He had also scored a 56 in Vizag.

Given his form, Maxwell said a promotion in the batting order in the ODIs might help his game and also the team. The all-rounder was demoted to no 7 following his lean patch.

Asked if a potential move up the order for Maxwell is on the cards, Langer said: "We'll wait and see. We'll do what's best for the team I reckon. We'll see how we go."

Langer said if Maxwell can be more consistent his standing in the game will go to another level.

"He'll be the first to say it, that's what we've been crying out for some time from him. It just goes to show what he can do. When he does things like that, he elevates himself to a world-class performer," Langer said.

"He wants that, we want that and the more he becomes a world-class performer, the more games we win and the more he gets recognised as a great player."

Australia will play India a five-match ODI series against India starting Saturday.&nbsp;

Australia coach Justin Langer on promised unwavering support for out-of-form Aaron Finch, saying he has no doubts that the limited-overs skipper will soon find his mojo back.

Australia coach Justin Langer on promised unwavering support for out-of-form Aaron Finch, saying he has no doubts that the limited-overs skipper will soon find his mojo back. Finch's rough patch has extended to the T20s as he was out for zero and eight in the two T20Is which Australia won to claim their maiden series win in the shortest format in India. "He's such a good player, such a good person, captain of the team, we know he'll come good," Langer was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au. "We just got to keep giving him plenty of care and support. We know he'll come good." Finch has not scored a fifty in his last 19 innings for Australia in limited overs cricket. However, Langer threw his weight behind Finch. "There's no more destructive player in the world, we talk about 'Maxi' (Glenn Maxwell), Marcus Stoinis, a number of our players who can be so destructive but when he's going, he is as destructive as a player as there is in white-ball cricket," Langer said. "We know he'll come good and we'll be patient with him." Also Read: India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue Langer was impressed with the way Finch has conducted himself as a captain during this phase. "Another important part about leadership is that he's really consistent. We haven't seen any real change in his personality or his attitude around the group, so that's a real credit to him. That's why he is the captain of the team," he said. "My experience of every captain, the most important thing is they're playing really good cricket. He's got to keep his attention on that. He's got lots of support around him. Like I say, he's such a good person, he's got to be Aaron Finch, be himself. He's doing that. "He's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. We'll just keep encouraging him to be himself. His runs will come, keep encouraging him to be himself and I'm sure he'll come good soon." While Finch endured a lean patch, teammate Maxwell has been on fire, blasting a 55-ball match-winning 113 in the second T20I. He had also scored a 56 in Vizag. Given his form, Maxwell said a promotion in the batting order in the ODIs might help his game and also the team. The all-rounder was demoted to no 7 following his lean patch. Asked if a potential move up the order for Maxwell is on the cards, Langer said: "We'll wait and see. We'll do what's best for the team I reckon. We'll see how we go." Langer said if Maxwell can be more consistent his standing in the game will go to another level. "He'll be the first to say it, that's what we've been crying out for some time from him. It just goes to show what he can do. When he does things like that, he elevates himself to a world-class performer," Langer said. "He wants that, we want that and the more he becomes a world-class performer, the more games we win and the more he gets recognised as a great player." Australia will play India a five-match ODI series against India starting Saturday.

Aaron Finch will come good, just need to be patient, says coach Justin Langer

The injured and banned duo of Steven Smith and David Warner are unlikely to take part in Australia's final two ODIs against Pakistan despite serving out their one-year ball-tampering suspensions during the series to be held in the UAE.

After the conclusion of the ODI series against India, the defending World Champions will take on Pakistan in the five-match series with the fourth and fifth ODIs slated on March 29 and 31 respectively.

Smith and Warner, both recuperating from elbow surgeries, will find their suspension end on March 29 but there are still serious doubts whether they will play the mega event or not. Smith has just started knocking and will take some more time to get fit.

"I don't think David Warner or Steve Smith will play that game (March 29). I am not a hundred percent sure on that but I don't think they will play that last one or two games," Finch said on the eve of the first ODI.

He also curtly put it when a reporter asked if he sees himself as a stand-in captain now that both Smith and Warner are set to be back.

"No, no, I am the captain, yeah," was his blunt response.

Just like Indian team is trying to balance the workload of its players, Australia are also grappling with similar problems with Ashes starting after the World Cup.

Asked about pacer Pat Cummins' workload, Finch said: "He bowled a lot throughout the Australian summer, particularly at the back end of the India Test series. "I think having no cricket in April will help guys like Pat to freshen up. Again someone like (Mitchell) Starc, who has played no cricket needs to bowl. The workload of our fast bowlers need to be balanced."

But playing 10 ODIs in a month (India and Pakistan series in March) is quite unprecedented in Australian cricket, said Finch.

"Playing 10 ODIs in a month is quite an unchartered territory for our fast bowlers. There will be a mix and match managing the workload."

Young batsman Ashton Turner is set to make his debut and the skipper is excited about that prospect.

"Ashton Turner is a guy who will be making his debut in ODI cricket. We have seen how destructive he can be in domestic cricket, so really excited to see him get a go in international cricket as he is such a smart player.

"He is a diverse player who can bat in top couple or down the order. He is game smart and manage situations. He will be an important player, someone I am very interested to see."

It is the settled unit that makes India a very strong ODI side not only at home but in all conditions.

"It's a good question. Their batting is really strong. They have got in Virat, arguably the best player of all time in ODI cricket. Rohit has been in good form.

They have quicks, who move the ball upfront and execute really well at the death. They play well everywhere to be pretty fair," Finch said.

"I think when you have a team that has played together for a long time, they understand each other well. Probably a settled group of 14 or 15 very good players are playing for a long time. That goes a long way as to why they have been so successful in particular," he elaborated.

The injured and banned duo of Steven Smith and David Warner are unlikely to take part in Australia's final two ODIs against Pakistan despite serving out their one-year ball-tampering suspensions during the series to be held in the UAE.

The injured and banned duo of Steven Smith and David Warner are unlikely to take part in Australia's final two ODIs against Pakistan despite serving out their one-year ball-tampering suspensions during the series to be held in the UAE. After the conclusion of the ODI series against India, the defending World Champions will take on Pakistan in the five-match series with the fourth and fifth ODIs slated on March 29 and 31 respectively. Smith and Warner, both recuperating from elbow surgeries, will find their suspension end on March 29 but there are still serious doubts whether they will play the mega event or not. Smith has just started knocking and will take some more time to get fit. "I don't think David Warner or Steve Smith will play that game (March 29). I am not a hundred percent sure on that but I don't think they will play that last one or two games," Finch said on the eve of the first ODI. He also curtly put it when a reporter asked if he sees himself as a stand-in captain now that both Smith and Warner are set to be back. "No, no, I am the captain, yeah," was his blunt response. Just like Indian team is trying to balance the workload of its players, Australia are also grappling with similar problems with Ashes starting after the World Cup. Asked about pacer Pat Cummins' workload, Finch said: "He bowled a lot throughout the Australian summer, particularly at the back end of the India Test series. "I think having no cricket in April will help guys like Pat to freshen up. Again someone like (Mitchell) Starc, who has played no cricket needs to bowl. The workload of our fast bowlers need to be balanced." But playing 10 ODIs in a month (India and Pakistan series in March) is quite unprecedented in Australian cricket, said Finch. "Playing 10 ODIs in a month is quite an unchartered territory for our fast bowlers. There will be a mix and match managing the workload." Young batsman Ashton Turner is set to make his debut and the skipper is excited about that prospect. "Ashton Turner is a guy who will be making his debut in ODI cricket. We have seen how destructive he can be in domestic cricket, so really excited to see him get a go in international cricket as he is such a smart player. "He is a diverse player who can bat in top couple or down the order. He is game smart and manage situations. He will be an important player, someone I am very interested to see." It is the settled unit that makes India a very strong ODI side not only at home but in all conditions. "It's a good question. Their batting is really strong. They have got in Virat, arguably the best player of all time in ODI cricket. Rohit has been in good form. They have quicks, who move the ball upfront and execute really well at the death. They play well everywhere to be pretty fair," Finch said. "I think when you have a team that has played together for a long time, they understand each other well. Probably a settled group of 14 or 15 very good players are playing for a long time. That goes a long way as to why they have been so successful in particular," he elaborated.

Steve Smith, David Warner unlikely to play last 2 ODIs against Pakistan: Aaron Finch

Former&nbsp;cricketer Matthew Hayden dropped in and had a long chat with&nbsp;Australian players during their net session ahead of T20I series against India at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.&nbsp;

The former opener was invited by current Australian coach Justin Langer.&nbsp;

India and Australia will play seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals before World Cup, which will kick off from May 30 in England and Wales.&nbsp;

Hayden, who is considered as one of the finest players of spin bowling,&nbsp;shared his knowledge to help Australians tackle Indian bowlers during the limited-over series starts with the first Twenty20 in Visakhapatnam on February 24. &nbsp;

Hayden helped Australian batsmen to understand bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.&nbsp;

While Kuldeep has been rested for the two-match T20 series but Australia will be facing Chahal and left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

Hayden was seen demonstrating shot selection to the players as he accompanied the side during their full practice session.&nbsp;

"It was great obviously to have JL's (Justin Langer) great mate and a legend of the game come back and someone who's had so much success here in India as a batsman to to get around to this field the boys and have a good chat was great," Finch said at the news conference.&nbsp;

Apart from batting techniques, Hayden also gave tips on slip catching.&nbsp;

"He was a great slip catcher, so anything that the guys can learn, he was chatting about batting especially at the top of the order stuff,"&nbsp;Finch added.&nbsp;

Australia have also roped in the Kerala's left-arm chinaman spinner KK Jiyas and Mumbai legspinner Pardeep Sahu in their support staff to help them out with the tricks of playing against the wrist spin.&nbsp;

Earlier during India's tour Down Under last year, the Aussies were seen with sessions under Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and then Shane Warner in the first three Tests.&nbsp;

Former cricketer Matthew Hayden dropped in and had a long chat with Australian players during their net session ahead of T20I series against India at the ACA-VDCA Stadium.

Former cricketer Matthew Hayden dropped in and had a long chat with Australian players during their net session ahead of T20I series against India at the ACA-VDCA Stadium. The former opener was invited by current Australian coach Justin Langer. India and Australia will play seven-match series comprising two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals before World Cup, which will kick off from May 30 in England and Wales. Hayden, who is considered as one of the finest players of spin bowling, shared his knowledge to help Australians tackle Indian bowlers during the limited-over series starts with the first Twenty20 in Visakhapatnam on February 24. Hayden helped Australian batsmen to understand bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. While Kuldeep has been rested for the two-match T20 series but Australia will be facing Chahal and left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya. Also Read: India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue Hayden was seen demonstrating shot selection to the players as he accompanied the side during their full practice session. "It was great obviously to have JL's (Justin Langer) great mate and a legend of the game come back and someone who's had so much success here in India as a batsman to to get around to this field the boys and have a good chat was great," Finch said at the news conference. Apart from batting techniques, Hayden also gave tips on slip catching. "He was a great slip catcher, so anything that the guys can learn, he was chatting about batting especially at the top of the order stuff," Finch added. Australia have also roped in the Kerala's left-arm chinaman spinner KK Jiyas and Mumbai legspinner Pardeep Sahu in their support staff to help them out with the tricks of playing against the wrist spin. Earlier during India's tour Down Under last year, the Aussies were seen with sessions under Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and then Shane Warner in the first three Tests.

India vs Australia: Matthew Hayden drops in at Oz nets to help players tackle Indian bowlers

Australian captain Aaron Finch on Saturday said the limited overs series against India would give the youngsters a perfect opportunity to stake a claim for two World Cup spots with the suspended duo of Steve Smith and David Warner racing against time to recover from injuries.&nbsp;

The duo suffered similar elbow injuries while playing in the Bangladesh Premier League last month. Both had to undergo surgeries and it's not clear whether they would be fit in time for the World Cup beginning May 30.&nbsp;

"Definitely it's a great opportunity for the guys to come in and really challenge for that spot. David (Warner) obviously had some elbow surgery recently so that'll be in the back of the mind as well," Finch said on the eve of the opening T20 against India here.&nbsp;

"But if things don't go 100 per cent right with their rehab or some complications with it and they're not back in time, it's a huge, huge opportunity for guys to step up and almost cement their place going forward."&nbsp;

The Aussies are fresh from playing in the Big Bash League where top-order batsman D'Arcy Short bagged the player of the tournament award and became the first player to score 600-plus runs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2019-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-197778">India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue</a>

"With the two T20 matches (against India), it's a chance for the guys to continue on their Big Bash form and test themselves against the best in the world in their own conditions."&nbsp;

Five ODIs against India will follow the two-match T20 series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We still got 10 Internationals plus five other practice warm-up games before that first World Cup game so there's still a fair bit of cricket to go and as long as we keep tracking in the right direction and give India a really good fight and win the series that will be what is all about."&nbsp;

The recent T20 form of vice-captain Alex Carey and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis also augurs well for the Australian team.&nbsp;

"There are also things you can juggle around in one day cricket a bit for a little bit. So whatever we feel is a combination at the time I don't think anything is out of question."&nbsp;

Asked about their opening combination, he said: "Again in the ODI side Short is there. He's been exceptional and he's open the batting. He's obviously prolific in the middle order. Usman, myself, Alex. So there's still a few options."&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a miserable run of form this year, Australia are determined the players' key focus is on defending their one-day title ahead of the gruelling Ashes.&nbsp;

To manage the workload, the Australian top players won't be available for the last few weeks of the lucrative Indian Premier League that will run from March 23-May 13.&nbsp;

"I know there will be guys who will be here for the first half of the IPL and then be home by the start of May. So IPL will be really a crucial period for guys to be able to take that time off and get away from cricket and mentally recharge."&nbsp;

Finch also spoke highly of Stoinis who excelled for BBL runners-up Melbourne Stars scoring 533 runs at 53.30 and claiming 14 wickets to cap off a season where he was named the Australian male ODI player of the year.&nbsp;

"Yeah absolutely he's someone who can bowl 10 overs, bowl four overs in T20 cricket. He can be at the top of the order he can be really successful in the middle order as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"To have someone who's as flexible as that is a great asset in your team because then you can build a team around them and that can fill any hole that you need. If there's a weakness somewhere he's generally the best person to fix it and you can shuffle it around them," he added.

Australian captain Aaron Finch on Saturday said the limited overs series against India would give the youngsters a perfect opportunity to stake a claim for two World Cup spots with the suspended duo of Steve Smith and David Warner racing against time to recover from injuries.

Australian captain Aaron Finch on Saturday said the limited overs series against India would give the youngsters a perfect opportunity to stake a claim for two World Cup spots with the suspended duo of Steve Smith and David Warner racing against time to recover from injuries. The duo suffered similar elbow injuries while playing in the Bangladesh Premier League last month. Both had to undergo surgeries and it's not clear whether they would be fit in time for the World Cup beginning May 30. "Definitely it's a great opportunity for the guys to come in and really challenge for that spot. David (Warner) obviously had some elbow surgery recently so that'll be in the back of the mind as well," Finch said on the eve of the opening T20 against India here. "But if things don't go 100 per cent right with their rehab or some complications with it and they're not back in time, it's a huge, huge opportunity for guys to step up and almost cement their place going forward." The Aussies are fresh from playing in the Big Bash League where top-order batsman D'Arcy Short bagged the player of the tournament award and became the first player to score 600-plus runs. Also Read: India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue "With the two T20 matches (against India), it's a chance for the guys to continue on their Big Bash form and test themselves against the best in the world in their own conditions." Five ODIs against India will follow the two-match T20 series. "We still got 10 Internationals plus five other practice warm-up games before that first World Cup game so there's still a fair bit of cricket to go and as long as we keep tracking in the right direction and give India a really good fight and win the series that will be what is all about." The recent T20 form of vice-captain Alex Carey and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis also augurs well for the Australian team. "There are also things you can juggle around in one day cricket a bit for a little bit. So whatever we feel is a combination at the time I don't think anything is out of question." Asked about their opening combination, he said: "Again in the ODI side Short is there. He's been exceptional and he's open the batting. He's obviously prolific in the middle order. Usman, myself, Alex. So there's still a few options." After a miserable run of form this year, Australia are determined the players' key focus is on defending their one-day title ahead of the gruelling Ashes. To manage the workload, the Australian top players won't be available for the last few weeks of the lucrative Indian Premier League that will run from March 23-May 13. "I know there will be guys who will be here for the first half of the IPL and then be home by the start of May. So IPL will be really a crucial period for guys to be able to take that time off and get away from cricket and mentally recharge." Finch also spoke highly of Stoinis who excelled for BBL runners-up Melbourne Stars scoring 533 runs at 53.30 and claiming 14 wickets to cap off a season where he was named the Australian male ODI player of the year. "Yeah absolutely he's someone who can bowl 10 overs, bowl four overs in T20 cricket. He can be at the top of the order he can be really successful in the middle order as well. "To have someone who's as flexible as that is a great asset in your team because then you can build a team around them and that can fill any hole that you need. If there's a weakness somewhere he's generally the best person to fix it and you can shuffle it around them," he added.

Perfect opportunity for youngsters to seal World Cup spots: Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals.&nbsp;

The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year.&nbsp;

Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of Australia's Twenty20 and one-day tour with a "substantial" muscle tear, joining fellow quick bowler Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines.&nbsp;

Veteran seamer Peter Siddle, fast bowler Billy Stanlake and allrounder Shaun Marsh were dropped, which has opened the door for pacemen Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile, and hard-hitting batsman Ashton Turner.&nbsp;

With Hazlewood out, Pat Cummins was named co-vice captain alongside Alex Carey.&nbsp;

Opener D'Arcy Short was included as cover for Shaun Marsh as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Short is expected to play in the two T20s with Marsh joining the squad following the birth of his second child.&nbsp;

For India KL Rahul was recalled for the one-day and T20 but the selectors dropped Dinesh Karthik while picking rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande as the new face.

Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test.

The omission of Karthik is an indicator as to who among Rishabh Pant and the Tamil Nadu player will board the Heathrow-bound flight as a specialist-batsman-cum-second-wicketkeeper for the World Cup.

Pant has found a place in both the squads.&nbsp;

<hr />
<hr />
Here is the complete schedule:

(All timings in IST)

Australia vs India 
Twenty20 Internationals 
1st T20I | Feb 24, Sun | Dr&nbsp;YS&nbsp;Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 7:00 PM

2nd T20I | Feb 27, Wed | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:00 PM

Australia vs India 
One-Day Internationals 
1st ODI | Mar 2, Sat | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 1:30 PM

2nd ODI | Mar 5, Tue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 1:30 PM

3rd ODI | Mar 8, Fri | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi | 1:30 PM

4th ODI | Mar 10, Sun | Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali | 1:30 PM

5th ODI | Mar 13, Wed | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 1:30 PM

<hr />
<hr />
Here is the squad list of both the teams:

India's squad:

For 1st and 2nd ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;

For remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.&nbsp;

For T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), <s>Hardik Pandya</s>, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande.

Australia's squad:

For T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Peter Handscomb, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa&nbsp;

For ODIs series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals. The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year.

Aaron Finch-led team Australia will tour India to play two T20 Internationals and five One-Day Internationals. The tournament, which will start from February 24, is considered as part of an important build-up to Australia's World Cup title defence in England this year. Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc has been ruled out of Australia's Twenty20 and one-day tour with a "substantial" muscle tear, joining fellow quick bowler Josh Hazlewood on the sidelines. Veteran seamer Peter Siddle, fast bowler Billy Stanlake and allrounder Shaun Marsh were dropped, which has opened the door for pacemen Kane Richardson and Nathan Coulter-Nile, and hard-hitting batsman Ashton Turner. With Hazlewood out, Pat Cummins was named co-vice captain alongside Alex Carey. Opener D'Arcy Short was included as cover for Shaun Marsh as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Short is expected to play in the two T20s with Marsh joining the squad following the birth of his second child. For India KL Rahul was recalled for the one-day and T20 but the selectors dropped Dinesh Karthik while picking rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande as the new face. Markande was rewarded soon after his five-wicket haul, which powered India A to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial Test. The omission of Karthik is an indicator as to who among Rishabh Pant and the Tamil Nadu player will board the Heathrow-bound flight as a specialist-batsman-cum-second-wicketkeeper for the World Cup. Pant has found a place in both the squads. Here is the complete schedule: (All timings in IST) Australia vs India Twenty20 Internationals 1st T20I | Feb 24, Sun | Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 7:00 PM 2nd T20I | Feb 27, Wed | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:00 PM Australia vs India One-Day Internationals 1st ODI | Mar 2, Sat | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 1:30 PM 2nd ODI | Mar 5, Tue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur | 1:30 PM 3rd ODI | Mar 8, Fri | JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi | 1:30 PM 4th ODI | Mar 10, Sun | Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali | 1:30 PM 5th ODI | Mar 13, Wed | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 1:30 PM Here is the squad list of both the teams: India's squad: For 1st and 2nd ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Vijay Shankar, Rishabh Pant, Siddharth Kaul, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja. For remaining three ODIs: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja. For T20I series: Virat Kohli (Capt), Rohit (vc), KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Vijay Shankar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Sidharth Kaul, Mayank Markande. Australia's squad: For T20I series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Peter Handscomb, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Ashton Turner, Adam Zampa For ODIs series: Aaron Finch(c), Alex Carey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, D Arcy Short, Peter Handscomb, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa

India vs Australia 2019: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venue

Buoyant and self-assured in equal measure, India would be eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest when they take on the home team in the tour finale here Friday.&nbsp;

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India won the second in Adelaide by six wickets.&nbsp;

The Men in Blue have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series).&nbsp;

In fact, this is only the second bilateral ODI series India have played in Australia, losing 4-1 in 2016 when they toured here last.&nbsp;

Also, by winning this third ODI in Melbourne, India will finish the current 2018-19 tour without having lost a series here. They have previously drawn the T20I series 1-1, and then went on to record a historic first-ever Test series win here by a 2-1 margin.&nbsp;

While India will take winning momentum into this third ODI, their only worry at the moment is the fifth bowling option.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Watch:&nbsp;

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So far in the series, senior pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami have been impressive, while the two left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have provided control and breakthroughs in the middle overs.&nbsp;

In the absence of Hardik Pandya, India have used a full-time seamer as their fifth bowling option both at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Adelaide Oval.&nbsp;

Khaleel Ahmed (0-55) and Mohammed Siraj (0-76) though failed to impress in their singular outings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

It becomes a particularly crucial aspect considering that India will go in with the same batting line-up as in the first two matches. With Virat Kohli not keen on bowling Ambati Rayudu again in the series, they need to get their five-bowler attack right on the money.&nbsp;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@msdhoni</a> looking in great touch here at the nets session ahead of the 3rd and final ODI against Australia. 
 
What's your prediction for the game? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/WLbZP78Lii">pic.twitter.com/WLbZP78Lii</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1085763649027723264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Seam bowling all-rounder Vijay Shankar and leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal are in contention and both had a rigorous workout during the optional training session on Thursday at the MCG.&nbsp;

Shankar provides the third seam bowling option, and as an extra batsman, elongates the batting line-up. However, the argument against Shankar is whether the Indian team management can trust him enough to deliver 10 overs on ODI debut.&nbsp;

Siraj struggled to do so and Kohli was left wondering how he would bowl him for a last three-over spell. This is where Chahal might prove to be a more reliable option, even if India have to play two pacers and three spinners.&nbsp;

The bigger boundaries at the MCG, and Chahal's ability to bowl economical and attacking spells as well as use the new ball within the first 10 overs, might be a factor in his favour.&nbsp;

If Kohli does pick Shankar for his ODI debut, it would disturb the set batting line-up and make space for Kedar Jadhav. The fifth bowler's 10 overs can then be divided between Jadhav and Shankar. This move would mean one of Ambati Rayudu or Dinesh Karthik will be left out.&nbsp;

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It's time for the series decider tomorrow here at the 'G. 
 
Will <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> clinch the series? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/dLx7fg2qUp">pic.twitter.com/dLx7fg2qUp</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1085733479961128960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Karthik was handy in finishing the second ODI, while Rayudu has been rusty but seen as India's favoured number four option, making this a tough decision for the Indian captain.&nbsp;

Rayudu was part of the small group that took part in optional training on Thursday, along with Shankar, Chahal, Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shikhar Dhawan.&nbsp;

Dhoni's form, which has been a constant concern for a while now, has been decent so far and he has two consecutive half centuries to draw confidence from.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia, on the other hand, will be worried about lack of runs from their opening duo, Finch and Alex Carey, with their middle-order having to do the bull work in the last two matches.&nbsp;

The home team made two changes from Adelaide. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa came in for off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who couldn't pick a wicket in the first two ODIs, while pacer Jason Behrendorff was ruled out owing to a sore back.&nbsp;

Billy Stanlake is his replacement, while all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ignored again.&nbsp;

Finch said even though he was dropped, Lyon has been impressive in the manner he bowled in the first two games.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The way Lyon bowled has been really impressive. Adelaide has a short square boundary, but he was quite impressive. His role was pretty important. He will get rewarded eventually," he said.&nbsp;

Australia have won nine out of the 14 ODIs played against India at the MCG, and it should inspire them on Friday as they are still on the cusp of winning their first ODI series since January 2017.&nbsp;

Palying XI:

India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Vijay Shankar.&nbsp;

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.&nbsp;

Buoyant and self-assured in equal measure, India would be eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest when they take on the home team in the tour finale here Friday.

Buoyant and self-assured in equal measure, India would be eyeing a maiden bilateral ODI series triumph on Australian soil after the path-breaking Test conquest when they take on the home team in the tour finale here Friday. The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first ODI in Sydney by 34 runs and India won the second in Adelaide by six wickets. The Men in Blue have never won a bilateral ODI contest on Australian soil, and their only two series' wins in this format have come in 1985 (World Championship of Cricket) and 2008 (CB Series). In fact, this is only the second bilateral ODI series India have played in Australia, losing 4-1 in 2016 when they toured here last. Also, by winning this third ODI in Melbourne, India will finish the current 2018-19 tour without having lost a series here. They have previously drawn the T20I series 1-1, and then went on to record a historic first-ever Test series win here by a 2-1 margin. While India will take winning momentum into this third ODI, their only worry at the moment is the fifth bowling option. Also Watch: × So far in the series, senior pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami have been impressive, while the two left-arm spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have provided control and breakthroughs in the middle overs. In the absence of Hardik Pandya, India have used a full-time seamer as their fifth bowling option both at the Sydney Cricket Ground and the Adelaide Oval. Khaleel Ahmed (0-55) and Mohammed Siraj (0-76) though failed to impress in their singular outings. It becomes a particularly crucial aspect considering that India will go in with the same batting line-up as in the first two matches. With Virat Kohli not keen on bowling Ambati Rayudu again in the series, they need to get their five-bowler attack right on the money. .@msdhoni looking in great touch here at the nets session ahead of the 3rd and final ODI against Australia. What's your prediction for the game? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/WLbZP78Lii — BCCI (@BCCI) January 17, 2019 × Seam bowling all-rounder Vijay Shankar and leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal are in contention and both had a rigorous workout during the optional training session on Thursday at the MCG. Shankar provides the third seam bowling option, and as an extra batsman, elongates the batting line-up. However, the argument against Shankar is whether the Indian team management can trust him enough to deliver 10 overs on ODI debut. Siraj struggled to do so and Kohli was left wondering how he would bowl him for a last three-over spell. This is where Chahal might prove to be a more reliable option, even if India have to play two pacers and three spinners. The bigger boundaries at the MCG, and Chahal's ability to bowl economical and attacking spells as well as use the new ball within the first 10 overs, might be a factor in his favour. If Kohli does pick Shankar for his ODI debut, it would disturb the set batting line-up and make space for Kedar Jadhav. The fifth bowler's 10 overs can then be divided between Jadhav and Shankar. This move would mean one of Ambati Rayudu or Dinesh Karthik will be left out. It's time for the series decider tomorrow here at the 'G. Will #TeamIndia clinch the series? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/dLx7fg2qUp — BCCI (@BCCI) January 17, 2019 × Karthik was handy in finishing the second ODI, while Rayudu has been rusty but seen as India's favoured number four option, making this a tough decision for the Indian captain. Rayudu was part of the small group that took part in optional training on Thursday, along with Shankar, Chahal, Jadhav, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Shikhar Dhawan. Dhoni's form, which has been a constant concern for a while now, has been decent so far and he has two consecutive half centuries to draw confidence from. Australia, on the other hand, will be worried about lack of runs from their opening duo, Finch and Alex Carey, with their middle-order having to do the bull work in the last two matches. The home team made two changes from Adelaide. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa came in for off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who couldn't pick a wicket in the first two ODIs, while pacer Jason Behrendorff was ruled out owing to a sore back. Billy Stanlake is his replacement, while all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ignored again. Finch said even though he was dropped, Lyon has been impressive in the manner he bowled in the first two games. "The way Lyon bowled has been really impressive. Adelaide has a short square boundary, but he was quite impressive. His role was pretty important. He will get rewarded eventually," he said. Australia have won nine out of the 14 ODIs played against India at the MCG, and it should inspire them on Friday as they are still on the cusp of winning their first ODI series since January 2017. Palying XI: India: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Vijay Shankar. Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (wk), Peter Handscomb, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.

India vs Australia, 3rd ODI: India eye perfect finish to historic tour

Australia captain Aaron Finch Thursday declared that he will return to his "natural" aggressive game in the series-deciding third ODI against India here after being left "frustrated" by a cautious approach while searching for runs. Finch has been going through a bad patch for a long time and the sword is literally hanging over his head.&nbsp;

After a below-par showing in the Test series, Finch's struggle with the bat continued in the ODIs as he scored just 12 runs in the first two games.

"I am little bit frustrated. I am trying to bat a little bit longer for one thing. When you are searching for runs, you can be searching for the right recipe, and over the last couple of days, I have had a look at footage. I have seen things that have worked out when I got a hundred for Australia last, and what didn't," Finch said ahead of Friday's final ODI.&nbsp;

"I want to give myself the best chance. Maybe, I have been too tentative in the last couple games and letting pressure build up."

Finch, who scored just 97 runs in six innings in the Test series against India before being dropped for the final game, has admitted that he has spent the last few days in reminding himself he is "still a very good player".&nbsp;

"That's always a fine balance between attack and hanging in there, waiting for the right time to be aggressive and take on the opposition. I still feel I am a very good player," he said.&nbsp;

"I think 13 international hundreds suggest I do know what is required. It is about seeing through the initial part and putting pressure back on the bowlers. It is just about going back to my natural game, letting it flow and finding the right rhythm."&nbsp;

Finch, however, had words of praise for his opening partner Alex Carey and said Australia are looking to cover as many bases as possible before the World Cup to be held in the United Kingdom, starting May 30.&nbsp;

"It's about giving him (Carey) opportunity to perform. He has been shuffled around a lot, but we want to have some consistency and allow him to play a game that he is pretty comfortable with, opening the batting in ODIs and T20s. We will have to wait and see how (David) Warner and (Steve) Smith shape up," he said.&nbsp;

"We want to try and have as many bases covered in India and Pakistan series ahead of the World Cup. If we can have 3-4 guys in opening, middle and finishing, that will give us a lot of flexibility in the batting."&nbsp;

Finch said the evolution of Australia's batting line-up has been a stand out point for him, especially in light of the absence of David Warner and Steve Smith, who are serving 12-month bans for their role in the infamous ball-tampering episode.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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"There has been a lot of talk about the middle overs, and the way we have played their spin so far, 3-115 from 22 overs in Sydney, 1-115 in Adelaide. There has been a lot of improvement," the skipper said.&nbsp;

"The mindset in particular from the last couple months has been really good. To be able to get 286 and 298 back-to-back on slow wickets in Sydney and brutal conditions in Adelaide was good. Shaun Marsh has been outstanding. It is good how we have stuck to our game plans and executed them," he added.&nbsp;

With the series evenly poised at 1-1, Finch said Australia are keen to come out victorious on Friday to register their first ODI series triumph since January 2017. "We are very keen to win the series. It has been a while since we have won one," he said.&nbsp;

"Coming up against a real powerful Indian line-up, there have been some positives particularly with the bat and there has been a lot of improvement in the last 8-10 months to be really proud of in the two games. It's 1-1 also because our bowlers have been outstanding.

"A lot of improvement can be made but a lot to be proud of in this series as well. Winning the series is our main focus," he signed off.

Australia captain Aaron Finch Thursday declared that he will return to his "natural" aggressive game in the series-deciding third ODI against India here after being left "frustrated" by a cautious approach while searching for runs.

Australia captain Aaron Finch Thursday declared that he will return to his "natural" aggressive game in the series-deciding third ODI against India here after being left "frustrated" by a cautious approach while searching for runs. Finch has been going through a bad patch for a long time and the sword is literally hanging over his head. After a below-par showing in the Test series, Finch's struggle with the bat continued in the ODIs as he scored just 12 runs in the first two games. "I am little bit frustrated. I am trying to bat a little bit longer for one thing. When you are searching for runs, you can be searching for the right recipe, and over the last couple of days, I have had a look at footage. I have seen things that have worked out when I got a hundred for Australia last, and what didn't," Finch said ahead of Friday's final ODI. "I want to give myself the best chance. Maybe, I have been too tentative in the last couple games and letting pressure build up." Finch, who scored just 97 runs in six innings in the Test series against India before being dropped for the final game, has admitted that he has spent the last few days in reminding himself he is "still a very good player". "That's always a fine balance between attack and hanging in there, waiting for the right time to be aggressive and take on the opposition. I still feel I am a very good player," he said. "I think 13 international hundreds suggest I do know what is required. It is about seeing through the initial part and putting pressure back on the bowlers. It is just about going back to my natural game, letting it flow and finding the right rhythm." Finch, however, had words of praise for his opening partner Alex Carey and said Australia are looking to cover as many bases as possible before the World Cup to be held in the United Kingdom, starting May 30. "It's about giving him (Carey) opportunity to perform. He has been shuffled around a lot, but we want to have some consistency and allow him to play a game that he is pretty comfortable with, opening the batting in ODIs and T20s. We will have to wait and see how (David) Warner and (Steve) Smith shape up," he said. "We want to try and have as many bases covered in India and Pakistan series ahead of the World Cup. If we can have 3-4 guys in opening, middle and finishing, that will give us a lot of flexibility in the batting." Finch said the evolution of Australia's batting line-up has been a stand out point for him, especially in light of the absence of David Warner and Steve Smith, who are serving 12-month bans for their role in the infamous ball-tampering episode. × "There has been a lot of talk about the middle overs, and the way we have played their spin so far, 3-115 from 22 overs in Sydney, 1-115 in Adelaide. There has been a lot of improvement," the skipper said. "The mindset in particular from the last couple months has been really good. To be able to get 286 and 298 back-to-back on slow wickets in Sydney and brutal conditions in Adelaide was good. Shaun Marsh has been outstanding. It is good how we have stuck to our game plans and executed them," he added. With the series evenly poised at 1-1, Finch said Australia are keen to come out victorious on Friday to register their first ODI series triumph since January 2017. "We are very keen to win the series. It has been a while since we have won one," he said. "Coming up against a real powerful Indian line-up, there have been some positives particularly with the bat and there has been a lot of improvement in the last 8-10 months to be really proud of in the two games. It's 1-1 also because our bowlers have been outstanding. "A lot of improvement can be made but a lot to be proud of in this series as well. Winning the series is our main focus," he signed off.

India vs Australia: Aaron Finch promises natural aggressive game in 3rd ODI

Seamer Peter Siddle has been recalled to Australia's one-day international squad for the upcoming three-match series against India after an absence of more than eight years.

Senior batsman Usman Khawaja was also called up after a layoff of nearly two years as Australia look to find the formula to turn around a poor run of form in time for their World Cup defence in England later this year.

Siddle, 34, played his last ODI against Sri Lanka in January 2010 and his inclusion will allow Australia to rest the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood after a long test series against India.

"It's wonderful to have Peter back in the squad for the first time since 2010," said head selector Trevor Hohns.

"His white ball cricket has improved considerably the older he has got, and his selection is great reward for his professionalism and strong leadership qualities.

"With a focus on improving our ability to post competitive totals we've recalled Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Mitch Marsh to the squad."

Aaron Finch retains his captaincy despite being dropped with Mitchell Marsh for the fourth test against India currently ongoing at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Steve Smith and David Warner, banned for a year for their roles in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, will not be available for selection until April.

"Travis Head, Darcy Short and Chris Lynn have been unlucky to&nbsp;miss out," Hohns added.

"All three have had opportunities to cement their spots, but unfortunately, they have not been as productive as we would have liked in recent times when playing ODI cricket for Australia."

The series against India begins at the SCG on January 12 with matches in Adelaide and Melbourne to follow.

Squad: Aaron&nbsp;Finch (captain),&nbsp;Usman Khawaja,&nbsp;Shaun Marsh,&nbsp;Peter Handscomb,&nbsp;Glenn Maxwell,&nbsp;Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh,&nbsp;Alex Carey,&nbsp;Jhye Richardson,&nbsp;Billy Stanlake,&nbsp;Jason Behrendorff,&nbsp;Peter Siddle,&nbsp;Nathan Lyon,&nbsp;Adam Zampa.

Seamer Peter Siddle has been recalled to Australia's one-day international squad for the upcoming three-match series against India after an absence of more than eight years.

Seamer Peter Siddle has been recalled to Australia's one-day international squad for the upcoming three-match series against India after an absence of more than eight years. Senior batsman Usman Khawaja was also called up after a layoff of nearly two years as Australia look to find the formula to turn around a poor run of form in time for their World Cup defence in England later this year. Siddle, 34, played his last ODI against Sri Lanka in January 2010 and his inclusion will allow Australia to rest the pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood after a long test series against India. "It's wonderful to have Peter back in the squad for the first time since 2010," said head selector Trevor Hohns. "His white ball cricket has improved considerably the older he has got, and his selection is great reward for his professionalism and strong leadership qualities. "With a focus on improving our ability to post competitive totals we've recalled Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb and Mitch Marsh to the squad." Aaron Finch retains his captaincy despite being dropped with Mitchell Marsh for the fourth test against India currently ongoing at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Steve Smith and David Warner, banned for a year for their roles in the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, will not be available for selection until April. "Travis Head, Darcy Short and Chris Lynn have been unlucky to miss out," Hohns added. "All three have had opportunities to cement their spots, but unfortunately, they have not been as productive as we would have liked in recent times when playing ODI cricket for Australia." The series against India begins at the SCG on January 12 with matches in Adelaide and Melbourne to follow. Squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa.

Peter Siddle, Usman Khawaja return to Australia one day squad for India series

Australia's limited overs captain Aaron Finch feels the banned duo of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=steve+smith">Steve Smith</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=david+warner">David Warner</a> will be "welcomed back with open arms" despite doubts that the former vice-captain may be dumped.&nbsp;

Smith and Cameron Bancroft recently opened up about the infamous <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=ball+tampering">ball tampering incident</a> that shook world cricket in March. The duo made it clear in their recent interviews that Warner was the instigator of the ill-fated plan in Cape Town.&nbsp;

Some ex-players including former captain Ricky Ponting interpreted the comments as effectively making Warner the fall guy with Michael Slater saying that it would be difficult for the explosive left-hander to return to the team.&nbsp;

"When Davey and Steve are ready to be allowed to come back and play cricket for Australia and their states I think from my point of view, they'll be welcomed back with open arms," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au.&nbsp;

Finch added that both Smith and Warner would earn their Australian recalls when they return in three months.&nbsp;

"Whatever's happened, has happened. The punishment has been dealt. They've been working really hard off the field to meet every criteria, and go above and beyond everything that has been asked of them, to come back and play international cricket again," he said.&nbsp;

Smith and former vice-captain Warner were handed year-long international bans for their role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months and is due to make a return on Saturday.&nbsp;

Asked if the Australian players have discussed the issue, Finch said: "There hasn't been any chat about it in the changeroom at all to be fair."&nbsp;

Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts had also stated that they had no plans of dumping Warner despite the recent unflattering statements by his two teammates

Australia's limited overs captain Aaron Finch feels the banned duo of Steve Smith and David Warner will be "welcomed back with open arms" despite doubts that the former vice-captain may be dumped.

Australia's limited overs captain Aaron Finch feels the banned duo of Steve Smith and David Warner will be "welcomed back with open arms" despite doubts that the former vice-captain may be dumped. Smith and Cameron Bancroft recently opened up about the infamous ball tampering incident that shook world cricket in March. The duo made it clear in their recent interviews that Warner was the instigator of the ill-fated plan in Cape Town. Some ex-players including former captain Ricky Ponting interpreted the comments as effectively making Warner the fall guy with Michael Slater saying that it would be difficult for the explosive left-hander to return to the team. "When Davey and Steve are ready to be allowed to come back and play cricket for Australia and their states I think from my point of view, they'll be welcomed back with open arms," Finch was quoted as saying by cricket.Com.Au. Finch added that both Smith and Warner would earn their Australian recalls when they return in three months. "Whatever's happened, has happened. The punishment has been dealt. They've been working really hard off the field to meet every criteria, and go above and beyond everything that has been asked of them, to come back and play international cricket again," he said. Smith and former vice-captain Warner were handed year-long international bans for their role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months and is due to make a return on Saturday. Asked if the Australian players have discussed the issue, Finch said: "There hasn't been any chat about it in the changeroom at all to be fair." Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts had also stated that they had no plans of dumping Warner despite the recent unflattering statements by his two teammates

Steve Smith and David Warner will be welcomed back with open arms, says Aaron Finch

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans.

Finch's right index finger suffered a nasty blow when he was struck in the glove by a Mohammed Shami delivery in the second test in Perth, forcing him to retire hurt during Australia's second innings.

He came back to face only one more delivery before being caught behind off the same bowler but it mattered little as Tim Paine's Australia went on to claim a rousing 146-run win to level the four-match series at 1-1.

As a one-day specialist, Victoria batsman Finch has played to huge crowds at the MCG, including the World Cup triumph against New Zealand in 2015. 
But Finch has yet to savour a Boxing Day test at the ground, one of the game's biggest carnivals.

"With a Boxing Day test, being from Victoria, it's going to have to be cut off (to not play)," Finch joked to reporters at the MCG before training on Sunday.

"It's going to be a catch and bat today and reassess, but it feels like it's improved 100 per cent over the last couple of days.

"I got sent some new bats, so I've been walking around the lounge room and waving them around. It feels OK.

"If anything changes in the next couple of days, we'll have to sit down and chat about that but, at this stage, it's still business as usual and I plan to field at slip and do whatever else is needed."

After twin failures in the first test defeat in Adelaide, Finch scored 50 in the first innings in Perth in a vital 112-run opening partnership with Victoria teammate Marcus Harris.

The rookie opening pair then shored up their places in the squad with a 59-run stand in Australia's second innings.

Compared to India, who have injuries nagging both their top spinners and major form concerns over both their opening batsmen, Australia head into the Wednesday's Boxing Day test in a relative state of calm.

Australia are unlikely to tweak their attack for the MCG, and only middle order batsman Peter Handscomb is really sweating on his place after managing only 68 runs from his four innings.

Seam-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could replace Handscomb and offer support for Australia`s pacemen on a drop-in wicket that did little for the bowlers in a dull draw against England last year.

But selectors would be replacing one out-of-form player with another. 
Marsh has managed scores of 11, 21, 30 and six from his last four innings for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, and was dismissed for three on Thursday in his last knock in the local 'Big Bash' Twenty20 competition.

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans.

Australia opening batsman Aaron Finch has declared himself fit for the Boxing Day test against India in Melbourne and said his injured finger would need to be cut off to prevent him from playing in front of his home state's fans. Finch's right index finger suffered a nasty blow when he was struck in the glove by a Mohammed Shami delivery in the second test in Perth, forcing him to retire hurt during Australia's second innings. He came back to face only one more delivery before being caught behind off the same bowler but it mattered little as Tim Paine's Australia went on to claim a rousing 146-run win to level the four-match series at 1-1. As a one-day specialist, Victoria batsman Finch has played to huge crowds at the MCG, including the World Cup triumph against New Zealand in 2015. But Finch has yet to savour a Boxing Day test at the ground, one of the game's biggest carnivals. "With a Boxing Day test, being from Victoria, it's going to have to be cut off (to not play)," Finch joked to reporters at the MCG before training on Sunday. "It's going to be a catch and bat today and reassess, but it feels like it's improved 100 per cent over the last couple of days. "I got sent some new bats, so I've been walking around the lounge room and waving them around. It feels OK. "If anything changes in the next couple of days, we'll have to sit down and chat about that but, at this stage, it's still business as usual and I plan to field at slip and do whatever else is needed." After twin failures in the first test defeat in Adelaide, Finch scored 50 in the first innings in Perth in a vital 112-run opening partnership with Victoria teammate Marcus Harris. The rookie opening pair then shored up their places in the squad with a 59-run stand in Australia's second innings. Compared to India, who have injuries nagging both their top spinners and major form concerns over both their opening batsmen, Australia head into the Wednesday's Boxing Day test in a relative state of calm. Australia are unlikely to tweak their attack for the MCG, and only middle order batsman Peter Handscomb is really sweating on his place after managing only 68 runs from his four innings. Seam-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Marsh could replace Handscomb and offer support for Australia`s pacemen on a drop-in wicket that did little for the bowlers in a dull draw against England last year. But selectors would be replacing one out-of-form player with another. Marsh has managed scores of 11, 21, 30 and six from his last four innings for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield, and was dismissed for three on Thursday in his last knock in the local 'Big Bash' Twenty20 competition.

Finch says finger would need to be cut off to miss Boxing Day

Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indvsaus-2nd-test-day-4-india-vs-australia-184637">pivotal day four</a> on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test.

There were fears Finch's series might be over after he received a nasty blow on his right glove from a searing short ball from Mohammed Shami on the stroke of tea on day three.

Finch, who retired hurt on 25, went to hospital for X-Rays amid concern that he had suffered a fracture to his right index finger.

Scans confirmed there was no fracture and he batted in the Perth Stadium nets before play resumed on the fourth day.

Australia, 1-0 down in the four-match series, were 132 for four in their second innings overnight with a lead of 175 runs.

Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a pivotal day four on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test.

Australia opener Aaron Finch has been cleared of a serious finger injury and is set to resume his innings on a pivotal day four on Monday as the hosts look to set India a formidable target in the second test. There were fears Finch's series might be over after he received a nasty blow on his right glove from a searing short ball from Mohammed Shami on the stroke of tea on day three. Finch, who retired hurt on 25, went to hospital for X-Rays amid concern that he had suffered a fracture to his right index finger. Scans confirmed there was no fracture and he batted in the Perth Stadium nets before play resumed on the fourth day. Australia, 1-0 down in the four-match series, were 132 for four in their second innings overnight with a lead of 175 runs.

India vs Australia: Aaron Finch cleared to bat on crucial fourth day

India and Australia will play their second Test match of a four-match series at the brand new in Perth's Optus Stadium, which has a drop-in pitch.&nbsp;

Perth Stadium, which has a sitting capacity of 60,000, has succeeded the WACA as the city's premier venue for internationals.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-2nd-test-day-1-india-vs-australia-183864">All actions from India vs Australia second Test</a>

A drop-in pitch is a pitch that is prepared away from the ground or venue in which it is used, and "dropped" into place for a match to take place.&nbsp;

This allows multi-purpose venues to host other sports and events with more versatility than a dedicated cricket ground would allow.&nbsp;

Pitch's curator Brett Sipthorpe is trying to produce the 'bounciest' pitch he can and that could very well work in India's favour.&nbsp;

Weighing around 30 tons, the depth of a drop-in pitch is 20-cm. It is maintained and prepared in a steel frame.

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Perth - We are here! 😎👍🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/AHeGmgKVVQ">pic.twitter.com/AHeGmgKVVQ</a>
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Not everyone is a drop-in fan. Purists warn such pitches -- which some grounds now favour so they can host multiple sports -- remove the characteristics of different fields that made matches more unpredictable, and therefore exciting.

"With the drop-in pitch, there's more of the sameness about things from city to city, and place to place," Australian cricket historian Bernard Whimpress told AFP.

"Which makes me sort of think, why don't they just forget about the drop-in pitch and put in artificial turf or something."

India and Australia will play their second Test match of a four-match series at the brand new in Perth's Optus Stadium, which has a drop-in pitch. Perth Stadium, which has a sitting capacity of 60,000, has succeeded the WACA as the city's premier venue for internationals.

India and Australia will play their second Test match of a four-match series at the brand new in Perth's Optus Stadium, which has a drop-in pitch. Perth Stadium, which has a sitting capacity of 60,000, has succeeded the WACA as the city's premier venue for internationals. Also Read: All actions from India vs Australia second Test A drop-in pitch is a pitch that is prepared away from the ground or venue in which it is used, and "dropped" into place for a match to take place. This allows multi-purpose venues to host other sports and events with more versatility than a dedicated cricket ground would allow. Pitch's curator Brett Sipthorpe is trying to produce the 'bounciest' pitch he can and that could very well work in India's favour. Weighing around 30 tons, the depth of a drop-in pitch is 20-cm. It is maintained and prepared in a steel frame. Perth - We are here! 😎👍🏻 #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/AHeGmgKVVQ — BCCI (@BCCI) December 13, 2018 × Not everyone is a drop-in fan. Purists warn such pitches -- which some grounds now favour so they can host multiple sports -- remove the characteristics of different fields that made matches more unpredictable, and therefore exciting. "With the drop-in pitch, there's more of the sameness about things from city to city, and place to place," Australian cricket historian Bernard Whimpress told AFP. "Which makes me sort of think, why don't they just forget about the drop-in pitch and put in artificial turf or something."

India vs Australia, 2nd Test: All you need to know about Perth's drop-in pitch

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine has questioned the decision review system, saying it has been "frustrating" to deal with the technology that is "not a perfect system".

Australia endured some frustrating moments during their 31-run loss to India in the first Test when a few decisions went against the hosts after reviewing the umpires calls.

Umpire Nigel Llong had given Ajinkya Rahane out caught at bat-pad for 17 early on Sunday but the decision was overturned on review when replays indicated that the ball had hit the batsman's front pad outside the line of off stump and missed his bat and gloves.

Similarly, Cheteshwar Pujara, who had scored a gritty 123 in the first innings, was adjudged out on eight and 17 to Lyon on Saturday but the dismissals were overturned.

Replays found no contact with bat or gloves in his first dismissal and the second one was overruled as ball tracking suggested that the ball would have gone over the bails.

"Look, it's (DRS) not a perfect system and I haven't got the answers. It's just frustrating, I'd imagine it's frustrating for everyone. But it is what it is," Paine was quoted as saying in the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

The Australian skipper initially said the calls had been "interesting," then when later asked why DRS was interesting, he said: "I think everything. I don't want to talk about DRS. It's just - it is what it is.

"A lot of balls seem to be going over the top of the stumps, I know that, that live don't look like they are. So yeah, it is what it is."

In Australia's second innings, Aaron Finch was caught in close to off-spinner R Ashwin but he didn't use the DRS after consulting partner Marcus Harris.

Reviews suggested that the ball had not touched the gloves and later third umpire Chris Gaffaney informed Nathan Lyon there was not enough evidence to overturn the decision.

Paine said: "It's one of those things. You can't do much about it. We've been told Aaron's, for instance, would still not have been overturned. Yeah, the DRS is interesting.

"It's a bit different when the batters are out there, it's up to those two, isn't it? Aaron felt something on his glove, it ended up being his pad, that can happen.

"From a bowling and in-the-field perspective, we've got a process we go through with myself and the bowler. Nathan Lyon's at point a lot, he gives us an indication of height. You have to take everyone's piece of information and make good decisions. We got a couple wrong but that can happen."

Former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was against the usage of DRS in Tests and India avoided the technology for eight years after its introduction in Test cricket in 2008.

But after Virat Kohli became the captain, India agreed to the use of DRS in 2016.&nbsp;

Paine also backed pacer Mitchell Starc to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/perth-will-suit-australia-more-than-india-ponting-183122">rediscover his best in the bouncy tracks of Perth in the second Test</a> after the opening Test where he didn't look menacing despite taking five wickets.

"When Starcy's on song, there is no better bowler in the world, particularly with the new ball," Paine told cricket.Com.Au.

"In Perth, the conditions will suit him down to the ground ... From what I am hearing, the wicket is going to be really fast so he'll be a handful."

Paine admitted Starc was not at his best at Adelaide but acknowledged his role in the team.

"He didn't set the world on fire but I think, for a long time, there's been a really big gap between Starcy's best and his worst," Paine said.

"And from what I'm seeing, that is getting closer and closer every day. Was he at his best? Probably not. But I still thought he played his role."

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine has questioned the decision review system, saying it has been "frustrating" to deal with the technology that is "not a perfect system".

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine has questioned the decision review system, saying it has been "frustrating" to deal with the technology that is "not a perfect system". Australia endured some frustrating moments during their 31-run loss to India in the first Test when a few decisions went against the hosts after reviewing the umpires calls. Umpire Nigel Llong had given Ajinkya Rahane out caught at bat-pad for 17 early on Sunday but the decision was overturned on review when replays indicated that the ball had hit the batsman's front pad outside the line of off stump and missed his bat and gloves. Similarly, Cheteshwar Pujara, who had scored a gritty 123 in the first innings, was adjudged out on eight and 17 to Lyon on Saturday but the dismissals were overturned. Replays found no contact with bat or gloves in his first dismissal and the second one was overruled as ball tracking suggested that the ball would have gone over the bails. "Look, it's (DRS) not a perfect system and I haven't got the answers. It's just frustrating, I'd imagine it's frustrating for everyone. But it is what it is," Paine was quoted as saying in the 'Sydney Morning Herald'. The Australian skipper initially said the calls had been "interesting," then when later asked why DRS was interesting, he said: "I think everything. I don't want to talk about DRS. It's just - it is what it is. "A lot of balls seem to be going over the top of the stumps, I know that, that live don't look like they are. So yeah, it is what it is." In Australia's second innings, Aaron Finch was caught in close to off-spinner R Ashwin but he didn't use the DRS after consulting partner Marcus Harris. Reviews suggested that the ball had not touched the gloves and later third umpire Chris Gaffaney informed Nathan Lyon there was not enough evidence to overturn the decision. Paine said: "It's one of those things. You can't do much about it. We've been told Aaron's, for instance, would still not have been overturned. Yeah, the DRS is interesting. "It's a bit different when the batters are out there, it's up to those two, isn't it? Aaron felt something on his glove, it ended up being his pad, that can happen. "From a bowling and in-the-field perspective, we've got a process we go through with myself and the bowler. Nathan Lyon's at point a lot, he gives us an indication of height. You have to take everyone's piece of information and make good decisions. We got a couple wrong but that can happen." Former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was against the usage of DRS in Tests and India avoided the technology for eight years after its introduction in Test cricket in 2008. But after Virat Kohli became the captain, India agreed to the use of DRS in 2016. Paine also backed pacer Mitchell Starc to rediscover his best in the bouncy tracks of Perth in the second Test after the opening Test where he didn't look menacing despite taking five wickets. "When Starcy's on song, there is no better bowler in the world, particularly with the new ball," Paine told cricket.Com.Au. "In Perth, the conditions will suit him down to the ground ... From what I am hearing, the wicket is going to be really fast so he'll be a handful." Paine admitted Starc was not at his best at Adelaide but acknowledged his role in the team. "He didn't set the world on fire but I think, for a long time, there's been a really big gap between Starcy's best and his worst," Paine said. "And from what I'm seeing, that is getting closer and closer every day. Was he at his best? Probably not. But I still thought he played his role."

It is frustrating, it's not perfect system: Australia Test captain on DRS

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2018-19-schedule-teams-time-and-venue-177740">India set Australia</a> a 323-run target to win the series-opening Test after being bowled out for 307 in their second innings after lunch on the fourth day.

Spinner Nathan Lyon finished with six wickets as India's batsmen collapsed for the addition of only 47 runs after lunch, having resumed on 260 for five on a warm, cloudy day at Adelaide Oval.

Paceman Mitchell Starc took three wickets, with Cheteshwar Pujara top-scoring with 71 for the touring side.

The highest successful fourth-innings chase at Adelaide Oval was the 315 scored by the hosts against England in 1902.

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A brilliant six-wicket haul from Nathan Lyon helps Australia bowl India out for 307 in Adelaide. 
 
The hosts need 323 runs to win the first Test. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> LIVE ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/sCMk42uzZC">https://t.co/sCMk42uzZC</a> <a href="https://t.co/nIdextUudC">pic.twitter.com/nIdextUudC</a>
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Spinner Nathan Lyon made difference&nbsp;on the&nbsp;fourth day&nbsp;but still,&nbsp;Australia have a mountain to climb for an unlikely win.

Lyon was the pick of the bowlers, taking 6 for 122 off 42 overs. It was his 13th five-wicket haul in Tests.

Three late wickets in the space of seven balls got the crowd on their feet and gave Australia hope of victory, but they will need to make history to win.

The only successful fourth innings Test run chase of more than 300 at Adelaide came in 1902, when the hosts made 315 to beat England.

The biggest on the ground in modern times was 239 in 1982, when the West Indies managed the feat.

A sliver of hope will come from Western Australia in a domestic match last month hitting 313 to beat South Australia here with Shaun Marsh -- who is playing in the Test -- scoring 163 not out.

India set Australia a 323-run target to win the series-opening Test after being bowled out for 307 in their second innings after lunch on the fourth day. Spinner Nathan Lyon finished with six wickets as India's batsmen collapsed for the addition of only 47 runs after lunch, having resumed on 260 for five on a warm, cloudy day at Adelaide Oval.

India set Australia a 323-run target to win the series-opening Test after being bowled out for 307 in their second innings after lunch on the fourth day. Spinner Nathan Lyon finished with six wickets as India's batsmen collapsed for the addition of only 47 runs after lunch, having resumed on 260 for five on a warm, cloudy day at Adelaide Oval. Paceman Mitchell Starc took three wickets, with Cheteshwar Pujara top-scoring with 71 for the touring side. The highest successful fourth-innings chase at Adelaide Oval was the 315 scored by the hosts against England in 1902. A brilliant six-wicket haul from Nathan Lyon helps Australia bowl India out for 307 in Adelaide. The hosts need 323 runs to win the first Test. #AUSvIND LIVE ⬇️https://t.co/sCMk42uzZC pic.twitter.com/nIdextUudC — ICC (@ICC) December 9, 2018 × Spinner Nathan Lyon made difference on the fourth day but still, Australia have a mountain to climb for an unlikely win. Lyon was the pick of the bowlers, taking 6 for 122 off 42 overs. It was his 13th five-wicket haul in Tests. Three late wickets in the space of seven balls got the crowd on their feet and gave Australia hope of victory, but they will need to make history to win. The only successful fourth innings Test run chase of more than 300 at Adelaide came in 1902, when the hosts made 315 to beat England. The biggest on the ground in modern times was 239 in 1982, when the West Indies managed the feat. A sliver of hope will come from Western Australia in a domestic match last month hitting 313 to beat South Australia here with Shaun Marsh -- who is playing in the Test -- scoring 163 not out.

INDvsAUS, 1st Test, Day 4: India set Australia 323 for victory in first Test

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-2018-19-schedule-teams-time-and-venue-177740">Australia</a>'s top order and bring India within six wickets of victory in the series-opening Test on Sunday.

Shaun Marsh was 31 not out and Travis Head on 11, the pair fighting a desperate rearguard action to nudge Australia to 104 for four at stumps on day four, still 219 runs short of their victory target of 323.

Australia will need to defy history to chase down the total and survive the wiles of Ashwin on a fifth-day pitch.

The highest successful run chase was in 1902, when the hosts scored 315 for six to beat England.

Also Read | <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-here-is-why-australian-players-are-wearing-black-armbands-182613">Why Australian players are wearing black armbands</a>

Since the second World War, no team has bettered West Indies' 239 for five to defeat Australia by five wickets in 1982.

Having bowled India out for 307 after lunch, with spinner Nathan Lyon taking six wickets, Australia's openers proceeded to 28 without loss before Ashwin broke through.

The spinner dismissed Aaron Finch in bizarre circumstances, the opener given out caught for 11 after a fuller delivery pitched, pinged off his pad and whistled by his glove.

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Fifties from Pujara and Rahane, followed by disciplined bowling help India finish the day on top in Adelaide.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> DAY 4 REPORT ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/iC3EFznfsn">https://t.co/iC3EFznfsn</a> <a href="https://t.co/ad351Vp6Fz">pic.twitter.com/ad351Vp6Fz</a>
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Finch conferred with fellow opener Marcus Harris then declined to review the decision, trudging off as the technology showed no clear evidence that he had gloved the ball.

Opener Harris and number three Usman Khawaja were soon living dangerously.

Harris, on 14, flashed his bat at Shami's fifth ball after tea and nicked behind to the slips where a diving Cheteshwar Pujara put a difficult chance down.

The debutant was eventually out for a second successive 26, edging through to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant with another aggressive swipe at Shami.

Pinned down by Ashwin, Khawaja tried to break the shackles with aggression but skied a catch to Rohit Sharma in the deep to fall for a scratchy eight from 42 balls.

Handscomb was given a life on 13, a half-chance put down by Lokesh Rahul in close after he smashed Ashwin hard into the fielder's hands.

He squandered the reprieve, adding only one run before lobbing a miscued pull to Pujara at midwicket, with Shami making the breakthrough.

India's celebrations were tempered moments later when fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah hurt his left shoulder while fielding and promptly exited the ground with the team physio.

Marsh rode his luck, all but chopping Shami onto his stumps with 10 overs to play.

Australia will hope the number four can bring his Sheffield Shield form on day five, having scored an unbeaten 163 as Western Australia chased down 313 in the fourth innings to beat South Australia in the most recent match at the venue.

India had earlier blown a chance to bat Australia out of the match with a quick and shambolic collapse after lunch.

Having resumed on 260 for five in complete control, the tourists lost their last four wickets for four runs in a panicky bout of tail-end slogging.

Hard-hitting wicketkeeper Pant was out for 28 blasting Lyon into the deep, before Ashwin pulled Mitchell Starc straight to Harris at deep backward point to fall for five.

Having compiled a patient 70, Ajinkya Rahane caught his teammates' disease and reverse-swept Lyon straight to Starc.

The offspinner claimed tailender Shami for a duck the next ball to finish with 6-122, having dismissed Pujara for 71 before lunch and Kohli (34) late on day three.

Starc (3-40) wrapped up India's innings with a short ball removing Ishant for a duck.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through Australia's top order and bring India within six wickets of victory in the series-opening Test on Sunday.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and paceman Mohammed Shami combined to tear through Australia's top order and bring India within six wickets of victory in the series-opening Test on Sunday. Shaun Marsh was 31 not out and Travis Head on 11, the pair fighting a desperate rearguard action to nudge Australia to 104 for four at stumps on day four, still 219 runs short of their victory target of 323. Australia will need to defy history to chase down the total and survive the wiles of Ashwin on a fifth-day pitch. The highest successful run chase was in 1902, when the hosts scored 315 for six to beat England. Also Read | Why Australian players are wearing black armbands Since the second World War, no team has bettered West Indies' 239 for five to defeat Australia by five wickets in 1982. Having bowled India out for 307 after lunch, with spinner Nathan Lyon taking six wickets, Australia's openers proceeded to 28 without loss before Ashwin broke through. The spinner dismissed Aaron Finch in bizarre circumstances, the opener given out caught for 11 after a fuller delivery pitched, pinged off his pad and whistled by his glove. Fifties from Pujara and Rahane, followed by disciplined bowling help India finish the day on top in Adelaide.#AUSvIND DAY 4 REPORT ⬇️ https://t.co/iC3EFznfsn pic.twitter.com/ad351Vp6Fz — ICC (@ICC) December 9, 2018 × Finch conferred with fellow opener Marcus Harris then declined to review the decision, trudging off as the technology showed no clear evidence that he had gloved the ball. Opener Harris and number three Usman Khawaja were soon living dangerously. Harris, on 14, flashed his bat at Shami's fifth ball after tea and nicked behind to the slips where a diving Cheteshwar Pujara put a difficult chance down. The debutant was eventually out for a second successive 26, edging through to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant with another aggressive swipe at Shami. Pinned down by Ashwin, Khawaja tried to break the shackles with aggression but skied a catch to Rohit Sharma in the deep to fall for a scratchy eight from 42 balls. Handscomb was given a life on 13, a half-chance put down by Lokesh Rahul in close after he smashed Ashwin hard into the fielder's hands. He squandered the reprieve, adding only one run before lobbing a miscued pull to Pujara at midwicket, with Shami making the breakthrough. India's celebrations were tempered moments later when fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah hurt his left shoulder while fielding and promptly exited the ground with the team physio. Marsh rode his luck, all but chopping Shami onto his stumps with 10 overs to play. Australia will hope the number four can bring his Sheffield Shield form on day five, having scored an unbeaten 163 as Western Australia chased down 313 in the fourth innings to beat South Australia in the most recent match at the venue. India had earlier blown a chance to bat Australia out of the match with a quick and shambolic collapse after lunch. Having resumed on 260 for five in complete control, the tourists lost their last four wickets for four runs in a panicky bout of tail-end slogging. Hard-hitting wicketkeeper Pant was out for 28 blasting Lyon into the deep, before Ashwin pulled Mitchell Starc straight to Harris at deep backward point to fall for five. Having compiled a patient 70, Ajinkya Rahane caught his teammates' disease and reverse-swept Lyon straight to Starc. The offspinner claimed tailender Shami for a duck the next ball to finish with 6-122, having dismissed Pujara for 71 before lunch and Kohli (34) late on day three. Starc (3-40) wrapped up India's innings with a short ball removing Ishant for a duck.

INDvsAUS, 1st Test, Day 4: India sniff victory after Australia collapse in Adelaide

India vs Australia, 1st Test: How spin & pace exposed Tim Paine's team

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