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Australia still searching for best ODI XI

3 minute read

Australia captain Aaron Finch says his side's inconsistent one-day form is reflected in the fact they sit fifth on the International Cricket Council rankings.

AARON FINCH of Australia.
AARON FINCH of Australia. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Aaron Finch is open minded and unabashedly unsure about what Australia's best XI might look like at the next one-day World Cup.

Australia have claimed top spot on the International Cricket Council's Test and Twenty20 rankings, but sit fifth on the ODI table.

It is a situation that Finch is desperate to rectify, starting with a three-match series against England in Manchester that begins at 10pm AEST on Friday.

"We know our world ranking reflects our inconsistency," Finch told reporters.

"We're still searching for our best formula and best XI.

"We did a lot of work during the COVID break on how we think we can structure up in one-day cricket and where we think we need to get to for that 2023 World Cup.

"It's about being really flexible and making sure we've got guys who can play different scenarios and situations."

Finch and David Warner will both be 36 at the next ODI World Cup, which is slated to be held in India.

Both veterans have flagged their desire to keep playing until that tournament, having been part of the team that suffered a humbling loss to England during last year's World Cup semi-final.

Finch confirmed Alex Carey, who was dropped for the third leg of the T20 series between the rivals but has been a mainstay in the ODI team, would retain the gloves on Friday.

"He's played some really good one-day cricket and some really important high-pressure knocks, which we see as being a huge asset to that middle order," he said.

Carey is likely to be Australia's first-choice keeper at the 2023 World Cup.

Uncapped 23-year-old Josh Philippe, who is part of the enlarged 21-man squad in England, shapes as his biggest rival.

Mitch Marsh, who will be gunning for a third straight man-of-the-match award in the opening ODI, is another likely member of Australia's 2023 World Cup squad.

"He averages 35 with the bat and 36 with the ball in one-day cricket, that's a really good package," Finch said.

"He's got a great opportunity over the next few years to cement that spot and we've got huge confidence in him.

"As we saw in the third T20, he's got a really calm head ... I've got no doubt in the near future the most consistent version of Mitch Marsh will be on show."

Finch suggested clashes with Eoin Morgan's all-conquering team would serve as an ideal litmus test for Australia.

"England's one-day game has probably been the benchmark since 2016," the opener said.

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