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

While Bancroft has returned on the field after serving the 9-month ban, Smith and Warner, both recuperating from elbow surgeries, are eligible for selection from March 29. Smith has just started knocking and will take some more time to get fit.

According to Australia skipper Aaron Finch, the injured and banned duo of Steven Smith and David Warner are unlikely to play the March 29 and 31 ODI games against Pakistan respectively, in the UAE.

Smith, along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, was handed over a 12-month ban from international cricket following the infamous ball-tampering scandal that took place during the four-match series in South Africa in March 2018.

While Bancroft has returned on the field after serving the 9-month ban, Smith and Warner, both recuperating from elbow surgeries, are eligible for selection from March 29. 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.

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.

(With PTI inputs)