Days after Indian opener Prithvi Shaw was ruled out of the first Test because of an ankle injury suffered during the practice match against Cricket Australia XI, another opening batsman had an injury scare barely 40 hours before the action begins at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
This time it was host Australia’s turn to sweat as it was their limited overs captain Aaron Finch who was hit on the right hand by a bouncer from Mitchell Starc during Australia’s practice session on Tuesday morning.
Finch was initially in a lot of discomfort but soon joined the training session after physio tapped up his index finger. It was later confirmed by Australia that there was no concern over Finch’s availability in the series opener at Adelaide.
“A bit of mayo on that from Finchy,” Mitchell Marsh said after Australia’s practice session. “If you get out of our net session and you’re not injured, you’ve had a good net. I’m still in one piece.”
Finch, who made his Test debut in Australia’s last series against Pakistan in UAE is certain to open the batting for Australia in the first Test even though the hosts are yet to decide on his opening partner.
Finch’s opening partner will either be Harris or Usman Khawaja, with selectors yet to officially make a decision.
“I haven’t spoken to Painey. I’m sure we’ll find out soon,” Marsh added.
In the previous two Test matches in UAE, it was Usman Khawaja who partnered Finch with a great deal of success. Khawaja scored 85 and 141 in the first Test in Dubai, which ended in a thrilling draw. While Finch’s opening partner in Victoria, uncapped Marcus Harris too is in good form. He struck a well constructed half-century in Victoria’s last match against Queensland.