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Finch backs Josh Hazlewood in ODIs

3 minute read

Australian captain Aaron Finch has full faith in Josh Hazlewood performing in India despite the accurate quick not playing an ODI since 2018.

JOSH HAZLEWOOD
JOSH HAZLEWOOD Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Josh Hazlewood's last one-day international came in 2018, but Australian limited-overs captain Aaron Finch says the quick is world-class in all formats.

The NSW fast bowler will make his comeback from injury - and to ODIs - when Australia travels to India for a three-game series, starting on January 14.

Hazlewood was left out of Australia's World Cup squad last year, with selectors preferring the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff and Jhye Richardson.

The 28-year-old's last ODI was against South Africa in Hobart in November 2018.

But Finch is delighted to have Hazlewood at his disposal against India after the quick's recovery from a hamstring injury.

"When he first come into the Australian cricket team in Test cricket, people said he couldn't make it as a one-day or T20 bowler because he's too consistent," Finch said.

"But people have found him hard to hit for three years now so that's a great asset to bring back into the squad, someone who is so accurate.

"His form was really good in all forms of the game so someone who's just a world-class performer is great to have any time."

Australia pulled off a memorable 3-2 ODI series win in India last year, winning the last three games.

Finch said the group would take confidence out of that comeback to propel them forward against Virat Kohli's side.

"I think what can happen when you play in the sub-continent is you start to doubt your game plan because they're so dominant when they get on top," Finch said.

"I think knowing that our game plan is good enough, and our skills are good enough, to beat India in India that gives us a lot of confidence going there."

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