Search

show me:

Beach break the remedy for Finch's batting

3 minute read

Australia T20 captain Aaron Finch endured a lean patch during the BBL season and plans to take a short break before next month's tour of New Zealand.

AARON FINCH.
AARON FINCH. Picture: Robert Prezioso/Getty Images

Out-of-form captain Aaron Finch will use a short break from cricket to relax and refresh his mind before leading Australia's five-match T20 tour of New Zealand next month.

The prolific right-hander endured a lean patch during the Melbourne Renegades' disappointing BBL season, which ended with a much-needed win over Hobart Hurricanes on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Finch admitted he had been "a little bit timid" in his approach and needed to reignite his aggressive streak in the final four BBL games.

But he made scores of 0, 4, 10 and 6 to round out the campaign.

Finch, who sits second behind Chris Lynn for all-time BBL runs scored, finished with 179 runs at 13.76 this season, with a strike rate of 113.29 and top score of 39.

"I had an absolute shocker with the bat," Finch said after the Renegades' win over Hobart.

"The harder I trained, the worse I got, which is the opposite to what everyone tells you to do, so it was just one of those seasons.

"In T20 cricket when you're looking to be aggressive and looking to take risks, sometimes it goes against you.

"For me personally, that's ok, I can wear that."

The Renegades finished last and missed the finals for the second successive season since winning the title two years ago.

The end of their campaign means Finch will have more than a week to rest before travelling to New Zealand with Australia on February 7.

Australia will be able to train and prepare during a 14-day quarantine stint ahead of the T20 series opener in Christchurch on February 22.

"My wife worked out the other day that it was something like 20 or 21 days since April that I haven't been in lockdown or a bubble," Finch said.

"It's not a huge amount.

"I'll go down to the beach for a few days and relax.

"My kitbag won't be coming out of the car, I can tell you.

"I know what I need to do to get ready and a clear mind is the main thing."

Finch is unsure how Australia's squads will be split for the simultaneous white-ball trip to New Zealand and Test tour of South Africa.

However, he said the likes of Sydney Sixers wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe and Sydney Thunder legspinner Tanveer Sangha had put their names into the T20 selection mix with their BBL performances this season.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au